Obituary – Death – Cause of Death News :

Human Remains of Two Men Missing for Nearly 50 Years Found in Pecatonica River

In a heartbreaking discovery, the Winnebago County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that the human remains found earlier this year in the Pecatonica River belong to two northern Illinois men who disappeared almost half a century ago. The DNA evidence has positively identified the remains as Clarence Owens and Everett Hawley.

The story dates back to March 11, 2024, when skeletal remains were found in a 1966 Chevrolet Impala submerged in the river near E. First and Washington streets. Authorities initially linked the car to the 1976 disappearance of Owens and Hawley but needed further testing to confirm the identities of the remains.

After sending the remains to a forensic anthropologist in St. Louis, Missouri, the analysis concluded in April, identifying the bones as those of two adult males. Investigators announced this revelation in July, stating that there was no evidence of trauma on the remains.

The bones were then returned to the Winnebago County coroner, where two long bones from each male were given to the Sheriff’s office for DNA analysis. Over several months, DNA extraction and profiling were conducted, comparing the DNA of the bones to that of Owens’ and Hawley’s relatives. The results confirmed that the bones in the car belonged to Owens and Hawley.

Owens, aged 65, and Hawley, aged 75, were last seen at a farm auction near the Winnebago-Ogle County line on February 19, 1976. An intense multi-agency investigation followed their disappearance, involving the Stephenson County Sheriff’s Department, Illinois State Police, and the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department.

As the families of Owens and Hawley finally get closure after years of uncertainty, the Winnebago County Coroner’s Office and the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office hope that these findings bring peace and comfort to them. The cause of death for the two men remains unknown, with no foul play suspected. This story is still developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Remains pulled from Pecatonica River identified as Clarence Owens, Everett Hawley

If you’ve been following the news recently, you may have heard about the tragic discovery of remains pulled from the Pecatonica River. The identities of the individuals found have been confirmed as Clarence Owens and Everett Hawley. In this article, we will delve deeper into this heartbreaking story and provide you with all the information you need to know about this case.

Who were Clarence Owens and Everett Hawley?

Clarence Owens and Everett Hawley were two individuals who went missing over a decade ago. They were last seen in the vicinity of the Pecatonica River, but their disappearance remained a mystery for many years. It wasn’t until recently that their remains were discovered and positively identified through DNA testing.

What led to their disappearance?

The circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Owens and Hawley are still unclear. However, investigators have been working tirelessly to piece together the events that led to their tragic fate. It is believed that foul play may have been involved, but the details are still being investigated.

Where were their remains found?

The remains of Clarence Owens and Everett Hawley were found in the Pecatonica River, a waterway that runs through the state of Illinois. The discovery was made by a group of local fishermen who immediately contacted authorities. The remains were in a state of decomposition, indicating that they had been in the water for quite some time.

How were they identified?

The identification of Owens and Hawley was made possible through advanced DNA testing techniques. The remains were compared to samples provided by their families, leading to a positive match. This breakthrough allowed investigators to finally bring closure to the families of the missing individuals.

What happens next in the investigation?

With the identities of Clarence Owens and Everett Hawley confirmed, the investigation into their disappearance has taken a new turn. Law enforcement officials are now focusing on piecing together the events leading up to their deaths and identifying any potential suspects. The case remains open, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.

In conclusion, the discovery of the remains of Clarence Owens and Everett Hawley has brought some closure to their families, but many questions still remain unanswered. The investigation into their disappearance continues, and authorities are hopeful that they will be able to bring those responsible to justice. Our thoughts are with the families of Owens and Hawley during this difficult time.

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  Remember to stay tuned to the latest updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.