Skeletal Remains in Dresden Identified

Chatham-Kent Police held a press conference at 11am this morning to release the findings to date on their investigation into the skeletal remains found in an old well on April 28 in Dresden earlier this year.

Police have identified the remains found to be those of Clinton Brown born September 7 1914, who went missing in 1975.

A statement released by police states:

“…The Chatham-Kent Police Forensic Identification Unit assisted a forensic anthropologist with the removal of the remains. They were transported to London, Ontario where a post mortem examination was conducted in late May. The result of this examination identified the remains as belonging to a male.

The Major Crime Unit conducted an extensive investigation speaking with current and former residents of the Dresden area including former residents of the house itself. Information gathered during the canvass pointed investigators in the direction that the remains may belong to a former Canadian military soldier who was reported missing 35 years ago. Investigators enlisted the assistance of various government agencies dealing with military matters to explore this lead.

The Chatham-Kent Police Service wishes to thank past and present citizens of the Dresden area who assisted in providing background information. We would also like to thank the forensic experts and agencies who provided valuable support throughout this investigation.”

When asked if they were treating the investigation as a homicide, Detective Jim Lynds, the lead investigator on the case, said “At this point the investigation is considered a death investigation, and we’re focusing our efforts now on looking into how Clinton came to be located in the cistern.”

Lynds said with the passage of time it becomes more difficult to trace Clinton’s final steps, and they are counting on residents from the area who were in Dresden while Mr. Brown was alive to assist them in learning more about the circumstances surrounding his death.

Detective Lynds cited a documentary that was done regarding the case back in the 70′s on a program called “Ten-Seventy-Eight” and said “We are actively seeking different archival records through various agencies to obtain copies of these interviews that were conducted back then, and conducted shortly after Clinton was reported missing, so hopefully we have a record of people who are now deceased, but were alive at the time and the information they can provide the investigation.”

As far as the cause of death Lynds said he wasn’t prepared to speak on the matter as of yet because it is still an active investigation.

Video of the official announcement: