Joliet, IL – Human remains discovered earlier this week in a Mokena field have been identified as a missing Joliet man, bringing a months-long search to a somber conclusion.
According to the Will County Coroner’s Office, the skeletal remains were positively identified as 35-year-old Terhan F. Gordon using dental records after being found Sunday near Oakwood Drive. Authorities said the discovery was made around 12:30 p.m. when land surveyors working in the area came across what appeared to be a human skull.
Officials said Will County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene and conducted an initial search, which led to the discovery of additional bones scattered throughout the field. A more extensive search was carried out the following day by the sheriff’s office Criminal Investigations Division and Crime Scene Investigation unit, with assistance from Will County EMA Search and Rescue teams.
According to Joliet police, Gordon had been reported missing last summer. Investigators said he was last seen in late June near the 1500 block of Route 53 and North Broadway Street in Joliet. His disappearance had remained under investigation for months prior to the discovery.
Authorities said the Will County Sheriff’s Office has now taken the lead on the investigation. The remains will undergo further forensic examination to determine the official cause and manner of death, which remain pending.
Officials are urging anyone with information related to the case to contact the Will County Sheriff’s Office or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers of Will County.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to piece together the circumstances surrounding Gordon’s death.
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