Skeletal remains of Donald Westfall Junior age 41, were found on Saturday near US 231 and County Road 1000 North, near Chrisney Indiana.
The Indiana State Police (ISP) and county special deputies investigated the scene for 24 hours until Sunday early afternoon, using a 20 meter radius from where he was found.
A forensic anthropologist gathered bone materials and dental samples.
He was identified via dental records using 3-D imaging technology, sent digitally to professionals in Indianapolis — where his remains have since been taken.
Westfall had been missing for five years, and was discovered by a pair of hunters searching for deer-shed antlers within sight distance of the roadway.
“It had been 1,723 days since he had gone missing,” said Sgt. Robbie Lambert with the Jasper district of the ISP. “And truly, we're just sorry that the family had to wait so long to find out where Mr. Westfall is.”
Westfall’s family was in attendance at the Sunday news conference.
Police don’t know why he went missing 5 years ago. The cause of death is still unknown — something they hope to discover using up-to-date technology.
Lambert said for example, they can look for signs of blunt force trauma.
“I think it's very reasonable to believe that the odds of finding this information out in today's law enforcement is far greater than it would have been, you know, 17 years ago.”
Again — the reason he went missing is still unknown, and the ISP is still looking for tips as his remains are studied.
Lambert said they have not ruled out foul play.
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