SPENCER CO., Ind. (WEHT) — The identity of human remains found near Chrisney have been positively identified as Donald Westfall Jr., a Spencer County man that had been missing since 2018.
On Saturday, two hunters were searching for deer shed antlers in the area of US 231 near 1000 North when they came across what they believed were human bones, according to Indiana State Police.
ISP Sgt. Robbie Lambert confirmed the remains were Westfall’s during a press conference Sunday afternoon in Spencer County.
“Now for many of you, this has been a long time coming,” said Sgt. Lambert. “It’s been 1,723 days to be exact. I do want to tell you that we, and law enforcement, did not forget about Mr. Westfall.”
Law enforcement officials say it is too early to determine the manner of Westfall’s passing. Westfall’s family says today’s announcement brought them a mix of relief and sadness.
“We knew that we would one day find Donnie and be able to properly lay him to rest — and today is that day,” says Cassi Meyer, Westfall’s cousin.
Westfall Jr. was only 40-years-old when he went missing five years ago. Police, the sheriff’s office and anthropologists are still investigating this case.
You can watch Indiana State Police’s full press conference in the video player below, as well as a statement given by Westfall’s family.
