Lancaster County, PA – Authorities are renewing efforts to solve a decades-old homicide after recent DNA advancements identified human remains as those of Derek Michael Mason, a Philadelphia man missing since 1991. A $5,000 reward is now being offered for information that leads to an arrest or resolution in the case.
According to a release from the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Troop J – Lancaster Station, investigators recovered human remains from a wooded area alongside the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Clay Township, Lancaster County, on January 21, 1992. The remains went unidentified for over 30 years, until December 2023, when advanced DNA methods confirmed the victim as Mason.
Authorities allege Mason, who was last seen leaving his residence in the 500 block of South 39th Street in West Philadelphia in October 1991, was a victim of homicide. He was known locally by the nicknames “Hawkeye” and “Hawk.”
According to PSP Tips, Mason’s disappearance remained a mystery until the recent forensic breakthrough. Police are now appealing for anyone with information about Mason’s homicide to come forward. Tips can be provided to PSP Lancaster at 717-290-1967, through the PSP Tips Toll Free line at 1-800-472-8477, or online at https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=107.
Authorities emphasize that all tips are confidential and could be eligible for the cash reward if the information leads to an arrest or the solving of this cold case.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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