ELLSWORTH COUNTY - Human remains found in rural Ellsworth County on Tuesday have been identified as those of a Salina man missing for more than a month.
On Tuesday, July 19, 2022, the Ellsworth County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a rural area in Ellsworth County for a report of a body being found in a field., according to a statement from the. Kansas Bureau of Investigation.
The Ellsworth County Sheriff’s Office responded and located human remains in an extreme state of decomposition. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation was notified and responded to investigate the scene.
On Thursday, an autopsy was performed, and the medical examiner determined the manner of death as a homicide.
On Friday, July 22, 2022, a forensic odontologist was able to compare the dental records of Nathan Philip Thompson and the deceased remains and confirm the body's identity as that of Thompson. Next of kin have been notified of these developments.
The case will be reclassified as a homicide, and the investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information on the van and/or its driver is encouraged to contact the Salina Police Department, Crime Stoppers, or the Tip line below.
If you have had contact with Nathan Thompson since June 1, 2022, have information concerning his disappearance, or have information relative to the fire at 1635 Elgin please contact the Salina Police Department at 785-826-7210. You may also call Crimestoppers at 785-825-TIPS or make an online tip at: https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#. Tipsters may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210 and ask to speak to Detective Lemon, case 2022-17281.
-----
ELLSWORTH COUNTY - Human remains found in rural Ellsworth County on Tuesday have been identified as those of a Salina man missing for more than a month.
In a statement released Saturday morning, the Salina Police Department reported that on Friday, "a forensic odontologist was able to compare the dental records of Nathan Philip Thompson and the deceased remains and confirm the body's identity as that of Thompson."
Additionally, based on the autopsy performed, the medical examiner has determined that Thompson's death was a homicide.
On June 18, Salina police announced that they were investigating the disappearance of Thompson, 44, who hadn't been seen in more than a week. In information released on June 18, police reported that on June 13, the Salina Fire Department responded to a trailer home fire at 1635 Elgin in west Salina. No one was in the trailer at the time the blaze was extinguished, however the fire was classified as an arson.
At the time of the fire, neighbors told police that Thompson had been living in the trailer, but had not been seen for approximately a week.
On June 22, Salina police released photos of a Chevrolet Express van that police believe was used in Thompson's disappearance. Salina police continue to seek information about the van.
"The Salina Police Department has the van in its possession. We are asking the public for any information they can provide with regards to the van since June 9th, 2022, especially any sightings in rural areas," the Salina Police Department noted in the June 22 statement.
If you have had contact with Nathan Thompson since June 1, 2022, have information concerning his disappearance or have information relative to the fire at 1635 Elgin please contact the Salina Police Department at 785-826-7210. You may also call Crimestoppers at 785-825-TIPS or make an online tip at: https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#. Tipsters may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210 and ask to speak to Detective Lemon, case 2022-17281.
------
ELLSWORTH COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating are investigating after human remains were found in rural Ellsworth County.
Just before 11:30a.m. on July 19, the Ellsworth County Sheriff's office asked the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to to assist them, according to KBI spokesperson Melissa Underwood.
The Crime Scene Response Team processed the scene where the body was found, and an autopsy was conducted. Authorities are are working to positively identify the deceased subject.
The KBI released no additional details. Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.