CELINA — Detectives with the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office were collecting information on six missing people and seeing if they link to human bones found near Grand Lake earlier this year.
Sheriff Jeff Grey said detectives have contacted multiple agencies about six different people in an attempt to learn more information about them. The names turned up on a search through the National Missing and Unidentified Person System, a national database for missing people in the states of Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. The six people all fit the description of a man between 20 and 35 years of age with a 5-foot-7 to 6-foot-1 height who were determined to be missing between Jan. 1, 2015, and Dec. 31.
The approximate height and age were determined by Dr. Elizabeth Murray, a forensic anthropologist from Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati. Study on the bones determined they were likely exposed to the elements for less than six months.
Grey wouldn’t comment on details such as how many bones or what types were found because of the investigation. However, he said other evidence at the scene indicates the possibility of foul play.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation was able to extract a partial DNA profile from a bone found at the site. The profile has been uploaded into the Combined DNA Index System to find possible matches. The search through the CODIS system has yet to turn up any hits.
Other bones at the site have been turned over to the University of North Texas, where investigation will take about six months. They have had the bones for about two months.
The Sheriff’s Office expanded the search after it was determined that no one was reported missing in Mercer County in the time frame.
“Even if we get DNA, it will be difficult if not impossible to identify the deceased if the DNA is not in a database,” Grey said. “Without an identity, this case will be nearly impossible to solve.
Grey said if DNA is not available for a missing person, it would be possible to identify the DNA if DNA could be gathered from the mother of the missing person. Grey encouraged anyone with a family member missing to contact the office.
Those with information should call 419-586-7724. To leave an anonymous tip, call 567-890-8477.
