KEMPER COUNTY, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) –
February 8th, 2025
The search for missing North Carolina resident, Steven Lee Knight, continues in Kemper County after initial findings raised more questions than answers.
Friday, February 7th – Initial Discovery
At approximately 10:17 A.M. on Friday, February 7th, the Kemper County Sheriff’s Department received a call from Conservation Officers with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) regarding a potential trespasser near a wooded area just south of Old Highway 45 in Scooba, Kemper County. Upon arrival, officers discovered a vehicle with North Carolina license plates (THF5471). The vehicle was registered to Steven Lee Knight, who had been reported missing from Maggie Valley, NC.
Inside the vehicle, officers found camouflage clothing, firearms, food, and other personal belongings. No signs of foul play were immediately apparent. After assessing the situation, the Kemper County Sheriff’s Office’s Special Response Team (SRT) and MDWFP’s Special Response Team were called to assist. The teams initiated a thorough grid search of the surrounding 150-acre area, with the help of the Kemper County Sheriff’s Department’s Drone Unit for aerial coverage. Despite several hours of searching, Knight was not located.
In an effort to locate Knight, local hospitals and EMS personnel were contacted to determine if he had been treated recently. A Search and Recovery K-9 Unit, specializing in long-term tracks, was also requested to assist with the search.
Sheriff James Moore expressed appreciation for the support and cooperation of the MDWFP and their Special Response Team, and confirmed that the investigation would continue.
Saturday, February 8th – New Lead Emerges
On Saturday, February 8th, a new lead emerged when Joshua Pilkering, an individual from Waynesville, NC, contacted the Kemper County Sheriff’s Department. Pilkering identified himself as an acquaintance of Knight, having attended school with him. Pilkering stated that he had seen Knight a few days prior at the Ace Hardware store located at 1391 Dellwood Road, Waynesville, NC.
Pilkering’s positive identification of Knight prompted the Haywood County Sheriff’s Department to follow up with the store to determine whether any video footage of Knight’s visit could be obtained. A detective from Haywood County spoke with Pilkering and confirmed the sighting, noting that the hardware store was just a few miles away from their department.
The Kemper County Sheriff’s Department continues to work closely with local authorities in North Carolina, coordinating efforts to locate Steven Lee Knight. The investigation remains ongoing.
Sheriff Moore emphasized that the case is still under active investigation and assured the public that efforts to locate Knight would continue with full cooperation between multiple agencies.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Steven Lee Knight is urged to contact the Kemper County Sheriff’s Office.
Stay tuned for updates as this investigation develops.
