Local News

Major Case Squad in Macoupin County

Wed, 17 Feb 2016 10:01:45 CST
Remains found in Macoupin County could be of a missing Royal Lakes man.

On Monday, at approximately 3:30pm, the Macoupin County Sheriff's Office responded to the area of Illinois Route 159 near Prairie Dell Road, south of Royal Lakes, in reference to the discovery of human skeletal remains. Children playing in the area reportedly made the discovery and told their parents, who in turn called the sheriffs office. Evidence discovered at the scene leads investigators to believe the victime likely died as the result of homicide. The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis was activated, by the Macoupin County Sheriff's Office, and is investigating the matter. The Major Case Squad will be conducting the investigation out of the Bunker Hill Police Department. A preliminary examination of the remains by an anthropologist suggests the remains are that of a male.

In the spring of 2014 the Sheriff's Office took a report of a missing person in the area just north of the site where the skeletal remains were discovered. That missing person was identified as Joseph Wilson, who was 24 years of age at the time of his disappearance. Investigators can't confirm the remains are those of Wilson, but are considering that possibility.

Anyone having information related to Joseph Wilson or the discovery of the remains are asked to contact the Major Case Squad at 618-585-3214.