BREAKING: ‘Badly decomposed’ body found in river ID’d as missing CDC scientist Timothy Cunningham

A body found in an Atlanta river late Tuesday night has reportedly been identified as a CDC epidemiologist who vanished in early February.

According to WSB-TV, Timothy Cunningham’s remains were recovered from the Chattahoochee River in northwest Atlanta. A previous report by the news station indicated that officials described the body as “badly decomposed.”

The Atlanta Police Department, Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department are expected to disclose additional details during a news conference Thursday afternoon.

As CrimeOnline previously reported, Cunningham, 35, was last seen leaving work on February 12 because he didn’t feel well. At the time, the Harvard and Morehouse alum was believed to have been passed over for a promotion.

Weeks later, agency officials disputed earlier reports, saying that Cunningham had received an early promotion to commander on July 1 for his “exemplary performance in the U.S. Public Health Service.” The Atlanta Journal-Consitution noted that the agency didn’t rule out that Cunningham was possibly upset because it wasn’t the promotion he wanted.

Comments allegedly made by Cunningham a day before his disappearance indicate that the CDC employee was upset about something.

“He told my husband to tell his wife–me –to erase his cellphone number from my cell phone,” neighbor Viviana Tory told CBS.

Police also called attention to the fact that Cunningham appeared to have left all his possessions behind. The missing epidemiologist supposedly left his home without taking his phone, wallet or identification. Police said his cat and dog were also located in the residence.

This is a developing story. Be sure to check back with CrimeOnline for updates as they become available. 

[Featured Image: Timothy Cunningham/Atlanta Police Department]