BELHAVEN — The body of a Belhaven man was discovered Christmas Eve and law enforcement suspect foul play was involved in his death.

Timothy Bernard Moore, 27, of Old County Road, Belhaven, was found deceased on a dirt road off of Beach Ridge Road in Belhaven, according to a press release from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. His body was discovered by a passing motorist shortly after 3 p.m. Dec. 24.

On investigation, sheriff’s office investigators found reason to believe that Moore died under suspicious circumstances. According to Lt. Jim Vanlandingham, head of the sheriff’s office criminal investigations division, the cause of death appears to be gunshot.

Moore had not been reported missing prior to his discovery, Vanlandingham said.

“He hadn’t been heard from since the night before his discovery at around 8:30 or 9 o’clock that night,” Vanlandingham said.

Beach Ridge Road runs from U.S. Highway 264 in Pantego to U.S. 264 east of Belhaven. Vanlandingham said Moore’s body was discovered down the dirt road, but close to Beach Ridge Road. He said the dirt road is gated and leads to land he believes to be leased to a hunting club.

Belhaven Mayor Ricky Credle encouraged anyone who knows anything about Moore’s death to come forward.

“I’ve been a lifelong resident of Belhaven and I’ve known the family for a long time, Timothy’s family.  He’s a good guy. He was a good guy. He doesn’t deserve this; no one does,” Credle said.

“In Belhaven, we’re not going to tolerate it. I would like to ask anyone with any information to definitely go to the authorities. Don’t hold back — for his family’s sake, so they can get some closure.”

The sheriff’s office is requesting that anyone with any information related to Moore’s death call the sheriff’s office at 252-946-7111 or call Beaufort County Crime Stoppers at 252-974-6400.