New Developments In Investigation Into Foss Lake Human Remains

The Medical Examiner’s office released new information in connection to the remains of six people found in Foss Lake back in September, 2013.

The remains were found in cars discovered during an OHP sonar training exercise. Deputies believe the cars were under water for 40 to 50 years.

9/18/2013 Related Story: Medical Examiner: Could Take Years To Identify Skeletons Found In Foss Lake

Custer County Sheriff Bruce Peoples said one car could belong to a missing Sayre teenager. Jimmy Williams, 16, took his two friends, 18-year-olds Michael Rios and Leah Johnson, for a ride in his blue Camaro in 1970. The three haven't been seen since.

The second car, a 1950s model Chevy sedan, is believed to have belonged to three people from Washita County, Nora Duncan, John Alva Porter and Cleburne Hammack. The three went missing in the early 1960s.

9/17/2013 Related Story: Investigators Work To ID Foss Lake Skeletons

On Tuesday, August 5, 2014, the Medical Examiner’s office released an autopsy report for one set of skeletal remains found in the Chevy sedan. There were two other sets of skeletal remains in the Chevy, and those autopsy reports have not been released.

According to the report, the incomplete skeletal remains consist of 105 bones, representing 58.1 percent by number and 92.47 percent by weight of a total skeleton. Authorities did not find any trauma to the remains, and do not believe that person was injured at the time of their death.

According to the report, several other items were recovered with the remains, including remnants of a bra strap, thigh high panty hose, bilateral red shoes, a metal leaf brooch, two metal items consistent with clip-on earrings, and more.

Based on the lack of trauma to the remains, the minimal amount of damage to the vehicle containing the remains, and the location the vehicle was recovered, authorities determined that the most probable cause of death is drowning. At this time, the manner of death appears to be accidental.

The report states that the remains and recovered items were additionally examined by a forensic Anthropologist.

At this time, the remains have yet to be positively identified.