By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — A Rockwell man was charged Wednesday with the murder and dismemberment of a 19-year-old Rockwell area man who had been reported missing earlier in the week.

The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office charged Carlos Rosas Jr., 19, of the 1200 block of Percy Lane on Rockwell, with murder and destroying remains/concealing a death.

According to arrest warrants, Rosas “attempted to conceal evidence of the death of Michael Earley by knowingly and willfully dismembering and destroying human remains, including removing body parts of Michael Earley.”

Earlier on Wednesday, the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office requested the public’s help in locating Earley, of Sides Road near Rockwell, who had been missing since Sunday night. Early’s girlfriend reported him missing, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Earley was reported missing at 9:40 p.m. Monday and was last seen Sunday at 10 p.m.

Family members were notified late Wednesday afternoon about the most recent developments in Earley’s disappearance.

No motive for murder was provided in the arrest warrants. Rosas was placed in the Rowan County Detention Center and held without bond.

A news release late Wednesday night said detectives are still collecting evidence and following leads in what’s an ongoing investigation.

The sheriff’s office said it would hold a press briefing Thursday morning to provide more information.

Rosas’ first appearance in court is Friday

Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.