Human jaw bone found in Wabash River connected to missing man

CARROLL COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) – A Logansport family wants more answers as to what happened to their missing father and husband after some of his remains were found in the Wabash River.

Tabitha Miguel Mateo lives a life similar to a microfilm reader. Each day, she relives the moment her husband went missing eight years ago.

Vidal Nicholas Miguel was reported missing in November 2008.

Indiana Department of Natural Resources Lt. Dan Dulin said something was found in the Wabash River nearly a year later.

“In September 2009, a fisherman found a boot that contained a foot in the Wabash River, about 4 miles upstream from French Post Park,” said Dulin.

The discovery left Miquel’s wife and four children begging for answers.

This past February, another discovery led to even more questions about his disappearance.

“We were contacted by a couple that were walking along the river looking for eagles, and they called and reported that they thought they found a human bone,” said Dulin.

What they found was a human jaw bone at French Post Park in Carroll County.

“It sparked our interest,” said Dulin. “So, in the back of our minds, even though it was unlikely, we were still thinking of Mr. Miguel.”

Dulin said matching dental records and DNA made it more than clear it belonged to Miguel.

“We don’t know if he voluntarily entered the river,” said Dulin. “We don’t know if he slipped and fell into the river.”

Dulin said the investigation will continue, and they are looking to the community for help with their search.

“We don’t know if it is a criminal case – if somebody put him in the river after an assault,” said Dulin.

Dulin said to contact either DNR or the Logansport Police Department with any information related to the case.