NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Newport News police found a body in the water on Sunday that family members later confirmed was that of their missing loved one, Leon Francis.
Dispatchers got a call around 3 p.m. about a body being found in the 200 block of Rivers Ridge Circle, near Warwick Boulevard and the Warwick River.
At a vigil planned for Sunday evening, family members confirmed the remains were 62-year-old Leon Francis, who's been missing for over a month. Police found his body about a mile from where he lived.
Francis' wife Daphne Thompson-Francis said she remembered her last moment with Leon.
"I remember the last time I saw him that Tuesday morning on the 14th of January. We kissed, we said good morning. And we always said I love you each and every time whenever I'd go to work, whenever I had appointments, that's what we did," Daphne said.
Daphne and her family had a candlelight vigil to celebrate Leon's life Sunday night.
"At least we know he's at peace now. But we know he's gone home, to a better home and we're going to miss him," Daphne said.
Police said the body appeared to have been in the water for a long period of time.
Francis' body will be sent to the Medical Examiner's Office where a cause of death will be determined.
