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Remains of man missing since 1981 found in Indiana

DAVIESS COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) – The Daviess County Sheriff’s Office reports remains that were found back in 2015 have been positively identified as a missing person from 1981. They are now investigating this case as a homicide.

Officials report the remains were found on April 7, 2015 in Odon.

The remains have been identified as Ira Freeman Kemp, who was reported missing on or about Jan. 25, 1981. The remains had to be sent to the University of North Texas for extensive DNA testing.

WTHI spoke with Detective Kevin Eaton of the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office. He said, “35 years have gone by, but we’re going to work it just the same as if it happened yesterday or last week.”

It was on April 8, 2015 when we originally reported remains were discovered in a drainage culvert in Odon. At the time officials reported that two young men playing in the drainage culvert off of Grove Street when they found the remains. A source close to the investigation explained a gun was found alongside the remains.

At that time in the investigation, officials did not believe foul play was involved. But now, this is a homicide investigation.

“You may know something that we don’t know, and if you don’t speak up, no one may never know,” said Detective Eaton.

Daviess County Sheriff’s Office reports family members have been notified and funeral arrangements are now pending. “I think there’s some peace. They can finally put their father to rest,” said Detective Eaton.

WTHI spoke with a detective at the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office who is involved with this case. No other information is available at this time.