Cougar, WA – Skeletal remains found in rural Cowlitz County in 2021 have been identified as belonging to a Portland man who went missing nearly 30 years ago.
According to the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office, tree planters discovered a human skull on April 26, 2021, near Lake Merrill in Cougar. Detectives noted what appeared to be two entrance and two exit bullet holes before transferring the remains to the county coroner for further analysis. A subsequent search of the area in May 2021 led to the recovery of a femur.
The King County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the skull and femur were from the same person and submitted them for DNA testing. While initial comparisons through the Combined DNA Index System did not provide a match, private lab Othram Inc. was later able to assist by using advanced genome sequencing. Investigators ultimately located a family member of the subject through genealogy records, which allowed them to confirm the remains.
Authorities said the remains were identified as Anthony Matthew Croy, born December 4, 1973. Croy was last seen in the Portland, Oregon, area around September 1995.
Detective Jason Hammer of the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office coordinated with Croy’s relatives during the testing process. The Sheriff’s Office said the investigation into the circumstances of Croy’s disappearance and death remains active.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Hammer at 360-577-3092.
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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