MONTEREY, La. (AP) - Investigators are trying to determine whether a corpse found Friday is the body of a missing Concordia Parish man.
Concordia Parish Chief Deputy David Hedrick told the Natchez Democrat that remains found Friday are too decayed to immediately identify.
State police have requested assistance from Louisiana State University’s Forensic Anthropology and Computer Enhancement Laboratory to identify the remains and a possible cause of death.
Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office Spokesman Vernon Stevens said DNA testing and digital facial reconstruction technology would be used for identification. He said no arrests have been made.
“They are still working the case and to say too much on it now might hurt their efforts,” Stevens said.
Kim Murrell told KNOE-TV that she believes the body is that of her son Duell Moreland, missing since March 29. Murrell said Moreland’s grandfather found the body at a location accessible by boat. Moreland’s family accuses authorities of doing too little to seek him.
“We appreciate anybody that has done as much as they have for the case. We just feel like to them they felt like he just walked off, or this is not a big deal”, Duell’s stepfather Steve Murrell said.
Steve Murrell said the family confronted Concordia sheriff’s officials with their concerns on April 22.
“One detective stormed out of the office, because he didn’t like the conversation; well this is their child and grandson. Another guy takes over and the following Monday; they did make a big showing. The next thing you know we didn’t hear anything else,” Murrell said.
Hedrick denied that authorities haven’t looked diligently for Moreland, saying officers from multiple agencies have conducted searches spanning of thousands of acres in the last four weeks.
“We have conducted searches on foot, ATVs, horseback and by air using helicopters and personnel from the Louisiana State Police and Adams County (Mississippi) Sheriff’s Office, expending hundreds of man hours,” Hedrick said.
He said dozens of interviews have been conducted with Monterey residents in the effort to find Moreland.
“I have maintained daily contact with the family of the missing individual,” Hedrick said. “Our investigation is ongoing, and we will continue to devote our best efforts until we bring this case to a successful conclusion.”
Please read our comment policy before commenting.