Authorities released the identity of remains discovered on March 19th.
Investigators identified the remains as missing Johnny Ray Bagwell.
On Monday, April 8, the State Crime Lab notified authorities that the remaining DNA matched Bagwells.
Bagwell was reported missing to the Cave City Police Department in June of 2024.
Family of Bagwell reported they had not heard from him since July of 2023, nearly a year before he was reported missing.
No cause of death has been released.
Sharp County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information about the disappearance or death of Johnny Ray Bagwell to come forward.
Original Article:
Sharp County authorities are investigating human remains that were discovered in a wooded area in southwest Sharp County.
Law enforcement responded to a call on March 19th regarding the discovery of a human skull and vertebrae in a wooded area near a residence on Cougar Road.
The incident report stated the remains were found uphill from a stream near Caney Creek.
A 2nd search of the property on March 26th conducted by law enforcement along with a K9 team from Jonesboro discovered additional bones.
Investigators learned that a burn-off had taken place on the property earlier this month, stating a portion of the skull appeared to have been burned from the fire.
The identity and sex of the victim remain unknown at this time.
The remains have been sent to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for further analysis.