Who Was James Chambers & Was His Body Found?

James Chambers II, aged 28, was a civilian construction worker at Fort Bragg. Chambers was known for his dedication and industrious nature. Born and raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, he was a familiar face in his community, respected by colleagues and loved by his family and friends.

The Investigation and Ashleman’s Arrest

James Chambers II encountered an abrupt and tragic end to his life on August 15, 2014, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. His last moments at home were witnessed by his former girlfriend, who noted the presence of Howard Adrian Ashleman, Chambers’ coworker, who was set to drive Chambers to a lifeguarding job out of town. This fateful interaction marked the beginning of a harrowing journey that would eventually lead to Chambers’ untimely disappearance and murder.

Chambers’ sudden disappearance sent shockwaves through his community. His family, unable to reach him, reported him missing several days later, triggering an extensive investigation. The Fayetteville Police Department, alongside state and county law enforcement agencies, embarked on a thorough search for Chambers, delving into his relationships and daily routines in the quest for answers.

The breakthrough in the case came three years later with the arrest of Howard Adrian Ashleman. Charged with first-degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon, Ashleman’s arrest provided a glimmer of hope in uncovering the truth behind Chambers’ disappearance. It wasn’t until Ashleman’s guilty plea that the grim details of that night came to light. He admitted to shooting Chambers in what he claimed was a moment meant to scare, not to kill.

The Search for Chambers’ Body

Despite Ashleman’s confession and subsequent guilty plea, the whereabouts of Chambers’ remains continued to elude the authorities. As per the Fayetteville Observer, the extensive efforts to locate his body involved searching areas where Ashleman claimed to have disposed of it. However, the attempts were met with frustration and despair, as Chambers’ body has still not been found to this day. This lack of closure continues to haunt Chambers’ family and the Fayetteville community.

The absence of physical closure in the form of recovering Chambers’ body has left a void in the hearts of his loved ones. Cumberland County District Attorney Billy West and Assistant District Attorney Robby Hicks have spoken about the ongoing struggle to provide the Chambers family with the closure they desperately seek.