Video: Noxubee County Remains Identified

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MACON, Miss. (WCBI) — The remains of a Noxubee County man who came up missing April 15th and was found June 21st has been officially identified.

When family members of 72 year old James Sonny McCleod first heard of the discovery of remains in a wooded area not far from his house, they were still holding out hope, those remains were of someone else.

“Well, I had already prepared myself for the worse. And now that I feel a little relieved now that they, you know found him and identified him,” said Lashanda White/McLeod’s Niece.

“For one reason we grew up without a father and he was always there you know,” said Rufus McCleod/Brother.

Clothing at the scene in the woods area where McCleod was found gave a good indication of the inevitable.

“The cause and manner of death is still pending at this point. We are waiting on toxicology and more autopsy reports. We should have something soon,” said R. L. Calhoun/Noxubee County Coroner.

“We check out everything. Usually when a person is missing and a person comes up and they are deceased, well there are a variety of things that could have happened. So we have to look at the situation and the circumstances,” said Terry M. Grassaree/Noxubee County Sheriff.

Dental and medical records, and medical history facts were used to help identify the victim. Sheriff investigators are not ruling out foul play, in the case still under investigation. Meanwhile a name is now placed on those remains of a missing man, loved and admired by relatives who still have questions.

“We are just waiting on the results to come back to determine the cause of death. Yes, definitely that’s the important part, to know what happened to him,” said White.

Noxubee County Sheriff investigators do “not” suspect foul play. The investigation however continues, funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.