Human remains found in Missouri woods identified

TUSCUMBIA, Mo. — Authorities in central Missouri’s Miller County said human remains found in woods last month are those of a man reported missing for more than four years.

The county’s sheriff’s department said in a statement Wednesday dental records helped confirm the remains were 54-year-old Ricky Wierman, who had been living in the woods.

The sheriff’s office said while a cause of death hasn’t been determined, there’s no indication foul play was involved.

Wierman had been reported missing in July 2012.

The University of Missouri’s anthropology department assisted in the identification effort.