By William Moore

Daily Journal

Police found the body of a man missing for more than two weeks in a lake Friday evening.

According to Tupelo Police department spokesman Capt. Chuck McDougald, authorities were notified around 6:30 p.m. Friday about a body in a lake on Briar Ridge Road.

Lee County Coroner Carolyn Green identified the man as James K. Parker, 30, of Panola County. He was last seen Feb. 14 on new Highway 6 near County Roads 41 and 199 in western Lee County. He jumped out of his mother’s car along the four-lane highway and ran into the woods.

It is not known how Parker got from the west side of the county to East Tupelo or how long he was in the lake before being discovered.

“The investigation is in the early stages with no further details to release at this time,” McDougald said.

Parker was just one of three area men reported missing within the last two weeks.

Rommie Lee Essex, 79, was last seen Feb. 19 around 11 a.m. in the area of North Gloster Street of Tupelo around The Pines apartment complex. The family says Essex might have dementia and should be walking.

He is described as a light-complected black male, 5’ 5” tall and weighing about 130 pounds. He has gray hair and brown eyes.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is looking for Steven Huebner, 54, who was was last seen or heard from on the evening of Feb 23 on Buck Road outside of Aberdeen.