Skeletal Remains 2014

On August 31, 2014, skeletal remains were located under a bridge and on a riverbank off of Reamer Road in Clendenin, WV by a man who was walking his dog.

Near the location of the skeletal remains, investigators also discovered several items of clothing. At this time, it is unknown whether these items are associated with the remains. The items located include a size 11.5 shoe sole, a hat bearing the Ford logo, and a pair of red, white, and blue Nike basketball shorts (men’s size medium).

The remains were sent for a forensic anthropological analysis at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC.

The Smithsonian concluded that the skeleton represents a Caucasian male, approximately 5’5″ in height, aged approximately 45 to 55 years. Characteristics of the bones and dentition suggest a history of physical labor, poor dental health and smoking.

A medical procedure had been conducted on the right side of the victim’s skull before death. A bone plate was attached to the cranium by a single, Y-shaped titanium plate. This medical procedure had been done to relieve pressure due to a traumatic event. None of the tools used during this procedure were serialized.

After information was shared on social media in February 2026, investigators were contacted by the physician who developed the specific medical procedure identified during the examination. The physician advised that, based on the healing observed to the skull, the procedure was most likely performed between 1995 and 2010. However, the possibility that it occurred outside of that timeframe cannot be completely ruled out.

It is believed that the procedure was most likely performed at CAMC General Hospital.

If you have any information , please contact the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Section at:
304-357-0556
or
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