Man found dead behind Macon shopping center identified

A body found behind a north Macon shopping center on Saturday has been identified by the Bibb County coroner as a man reported missing this month.

William Rehberg, 46, walked barefooted away from his home in the 100 block of Ousley Place Aug. 8 and was reported missing after not being heard from or seen in more than a week. Bibb deputies asked for the public’s help in locating Rehberg on Friday.

The body found a mile or so away, behind the North Park II shopping center, 3780 Northside Drive, was identified as Rehberg from personal belongings found in a backpack nearby, said coroner Leon Jones. Ousley Place is located in a neighborhood directly behind the shopping center.

When reporting Rehberg missing, his family told police he had health problems.

Bibb County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Lt. Randy Gonzalez said investigators are waiting on an autopsy before confirming Rehberg is the man found Saturday. The autopsy likely will be scheduled for Monday.

A crew cutting grass behind the shopping center smelled an odor just before 10 a.m. Saturday that led to the discovery of the decomposed body.

Investigators combed the area for evidence and are working to determine if foul play is involved, Gonzalez said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 478-751-7500.

This story was originally published August 19, 2017 at 2:57 PM with the headline "Man found dead behind Macon shopping center identified."