Human remains in Banks Crossing belong to adult male, identity still a mystery

COMMERCE - Human remains found in Banks County belong to an adult male, however the identity of the victim is still unknown. The GBI estimates the victim could have been missing or deceased since as early as 2006.

The remains were found in the Banks Crossing area by three hotel patrons who where panning for gold in a creek near the Dandelion Inn. The patrons notified the Banks County Sheriff, who brought in the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

The two agencies found more skeletal remains, a men's watch and a silver lighter with "Marty" engraved on it. A University of Georgia anthropologist examined the remains and indicated they belonged to an adult male.

A search in national databases did not provide any immediate leads to the victim's identity. It is unknown if foul play was involved.

The remains are now at the GBI Crime Lab for further examination.

Anyone with information should contact the Banks County Sheriff's Office at 706-677-1815 or the GBI Athens Office at 706-552-2309.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2014/3/272070