Human skeletal remains found in remote wooded area near Ashland

NATCHITOCHES PARISH, La. (KSLA) - The following information was provided by the Natchiotches Parish Sheriff’s Office:

Authorities in Natchitoches Parish are investigating after human skeletal remains were discovered Thursday, Oct. 29, in a remote wooded area near Ashland.

According to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright, detectives and the Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office were called shortly after 12:00 p.m. to an area off Oil Field Road. Loggers working in the vicinity reported finding the remains.

Responding investigators were led to a dry creek bed, where they confirmed the discovery was human skeletal remains.

Deputies processed the scene and conducted a search of the surrounding area for evidence regarding the identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding the death. Investigators then secured and collected the remains for further examination.

“The remains were located in a secluded area that is not easily accessible. Based on the condition of the remains and observations at the scene, it appears they may have been there for quite some time,” said NPSO Major J. Byles. “However, additional forensic examination will be necessary to determine their identity and other information relevant to the investigation.”

Authorities plan to transport the remains to the Louisiana State University Forensic Anthropology and Computer Enhancement Services (F.A.C.E.S.) Laboratory in Baton Rouge for specialized forensic analysis and identification.

Detectives noted that previous searches were conducted in the general area for an Ashland man reported missing by family members on Sept. 14, 2023. Family members last saw him on June 1, 2023. Investigators emphasized that there is no confirmed connection between the newly discovered remains and the missing person case at this time.

“Our detectives and the Coroner’s Office are working diligently to gather evidence and obtain answers concerning this discovery,” Sheriff Wright said. “We recognize that families with missing loved ones may have questions, and we ask for patience as investigators and forensic specialists work through the identification process. Our goal is to establish the facts and provide answers to the family involved.”

The investigation remains active. Anyone with information that could assist detectives is urged to contact Detective Sgt. M. Giammone with the NPSO High Tech Crime Unit or Major J. Byles with the Criminal Investigations Bureau at (318) 357-7830.