CHRISNEY — Human remains found by hunters in far southern Indiana have been identified as those of a local man who was 40 when he vanished in 2018, state police said.
Two hunters who were searching for deer antlers alerted authorities Saturday that they had discovered skeletal remains they believed were human in Spencer County near the small town of Chrisney.
Indiana State Police announced Sunday that anthropologists had identified the remains as those of Donald Westfall Jr., using dental records.
Westfall was last seen on June 27, 2018, in Chrisney, several miles north of the Ohio River and about 80 miles (129 kilometers) west of Louisville, Kentucky.
State Police Sgt. Robbie Lambert said there will be a forensic examination in the coming days on the remains. Investigators said it’s too early to determine a cause of death or if there was foul play involved.
“I commend the hunters who came forward yesterday,” Lambert said Sunday. “I just can’t express how important it is to law enforcement to have the support of our communities.”
-
Four in custody after juveniles open fire during police chase, 3 hospitalized
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers are currently investigating an officer-involved shooting on Indy's east side Saturday evening.
Hancock County to receive $13M in federal funds for road safety, bridge upgrades
The Indiana Department of Transportation announced nearly $180 million in federal funding for infrastructure projects across Indiana, with Hancock County receiving a significant portion of that money.
Indianapolis neighbors take the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Indiana
Over $600,000 has been raised so far this year for Special Olympics Indiana through its Polar Plunge events. Participants braved the cold waters at Geist Saturday morning.
Crews recover bodies of 9 backcountry skiers days after California avalanche
Crews have recovered the bodies of nine backcountry skiers who were killed in a California avalanche four days ago.
