TEXARKANA, Ark. —The family of Jonathan Bohrer says they believe human skeletal remains found Thursday in Texarkana, Ark., are those of the missing Bossier City man who disappeared more than a month ago.
Bohrer has been missing for 37 days. Family members last saw him May 5 in Bossier City. His vehicle was later found abandoned in Texarkana on May 12, prompting an extensive search effort involving law enforcement and community volunteers.
In a Facebook post Friday afternoon, Bohrer's family said investigators had located a body in Texarkana and that personal items recovered at the scene led them to believe the remains are those of their loved one.
"With heavy hearts and deep sadness, we share an update regarding John," the family wrote. "Yesterday investigators located a body in Texarkana. Based on personal items recovered at the scene, our family believes with a very high degree of certainty that this is our beloved Jonathan."
According to the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department, human skeletal remains were discovered Thursday near the corner of Delaware and Ray streets.
"The finding of the human remains was just somebody mowing their yard and coming upon the remains," Kristen Schultz, police spokeswoman said. "That's all what we have right now. We don't even know if it's male or female. We don't have anything other than just an unknown name right now."
Bohrer's father, Brian Bohrer, said family members traveled to Texarkana to view personal items recovered near the remains. According to police, the items included clothing.
Brian Bohrer said no identification or credit cards were found with the items, which raises concerns for the family.
He also said the family recently discovered a notification showing Jonathan's bank card was used in early May at a Sunoco gas station located about two blocks from where the remains were found.
The area where the remains were discovered was not included in recent community search efforts for Jonathan Bohrer and missing Caddo Parish man Johnny Hamilton.
Police said the remains have not been positively identified and have been sent to a forensic laboratory for examination. Investigators said there is currently no evidence of foul play.
"No evidence at this time," Schultz said. "It's just unknown circumstances. We're just going to continue to follow leads, hopefully, so that we can find peace for the families of both Jonathan and Johnny Hamilton."
Brian Bohrer said that while the family's belief brings a measure of closure, it is not the outcome they had hoped for. He said they are grateful to finally have answers.
Texarkana police said they will not release additional information until the identity of the remains is confirmed.