DNA test identifies man’s remains found in South Mississippi

MOSS POINT, Miss. (AP) — Authorities have used a DNA test to identify the skeletal remains of a man found nearly two months ago near the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Jackson County Coroner Bruce Lynd Jr. said Tuesday that the person was 60-year-old Jonathan Shanley.

The remains were discovered Nov. 9 in a wooded area near an electrical substation in Moss Point.

Lynd said investigators were able to get a probable identification through items near the remains. Moss Point Police located a potential brother in north Mississippi. The relative provided a DNA sample, and that was sent to a lab to be compared with DNA from the remains. A positive match was made, identifying Shanley.

Authorities are working to determine the cause and manner of death, and to reunite Shanley’s remains with his family.