Missouri: Authorities Confirm Remains Found in Pond Belongs to Man Missing Since 2013
Human remains found over the weekend are believed to be those of Donnie Erwin, a Missouri man missing since 2013. A YouTuber's tip led to a police investigation into a pond with a submerged vehicle in southern Camden County earlier this month, providing a breakthrough in the case. YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP via Getty Images

On the morning of December 23, investigators from the Camden County Sheriff's Office, accompanied by cadaver dogs from Gateway Search Dogs, Inc., revisited the Southern Camden County pond where the Hyundai Elantra belonging to missing Missouri man Donnie Erwin was discovered on December 16.

The prolonged search, spanning several days, took an unexpected turn when cadaver dogs signaled the possible presence of human remains in the pond, according to KRCG.

Despite the considerable time that had passed since Erwin's disappearance, the cadaver dogs honed in on a specific area near the center of the pond, hinting at a potential location for the remains.

This crucial information prompted a return to the site on December 24, where divers from the Mid County Fire Protection District meticulously combed the indicated area.

Subsequently, they successfully retrieved human remains from the pond.

Among the recovered items was an artificial hip, consistent with the one Donnie Erwin had.

Although a conclusive determination awaits forensic examination, investigators express confidence that both the artificial hip and the remains belong to the missing Missouri man, Donnie Erwin.

YouTuber Found Missing Missouri Man's Car

Donnie Erwin, a 59-year-old Army veteran, went missing on December 29, 2013, after leaving his residence in a 2002 silver Hyundai Elantra to purchase cigarettes, per The Messenger.

The case had remained unsolved for a decade until freelance drone pilot and videographer James Hinkle, known for his YouTube channel, stumbled upon a submerged vehicle in the Southern Camden County pond during a routine search on December 16.

Hinkle, after noticing an unattached tire in the water via his drone, contacted the property owner and subsequently collaborated with authorities to investigate further, KOMU reported.

The vehicle's license plate confirmed it was Erwin's missing Hyundai Elantra.

Sgt. Scott Hines of the Camden County Sheriff's Office expressed relief at this breakthrough, highlighting the significant role played by volunteers and the community in providing crucial information to law enforcement.

Lt. Cole Hurst, a rescue diver for Mid-County Fire Protection District, emphasized his team's role in aiding Hinkle's discovery, acknowledging the tense atmosphere surrounding the operation.

Closure for the Donnie Erwin's Family

James Hinkle expressed happiness for the missing Missouri man's family.

"This is the first Christmas morning that they wake up and they know where their missing person is," Hinkle said during the ABC 17 News interview.

Hinkle's revelation marks a crucial milestone, ending ten years of uncertainty for the family.

Erwin's sister, Yvonne Erwin-Bowen, shared her emotions on Facebook, stating, "What a special Christmas this is. Even though you're not with us, we know where you are now, and we can rejoice because of it."

While the discovery brings closure, investigators continue their work, exploring the surrounding area in an effort to piece together the details surrounding Donnie Erwin's mysterious disappearance.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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