Man found dead in Raeford motel

RAEFORD, N.C. (AP) - Hoke County deputies are investigating the death of a man found in a motel in Raeford.

Deputies told local reporters they consider the death of 58-year-old Jakir Mohammadzakir Sheikh a homicide after finding signs of a struggle in the room at the motel Monday on U.S. Highway 401.

Sheikh's family owns the motel. Sheriff Hubert Peterkin said the family told authorities that Sheikh had been missing since Friday.

The cause of death has not been released.

Sheikh's car is missing. The 2003 Dodge Stratus is a beige or gold four-door model with Illinois license plate P684847.