CRESTLINE — The body of a Galion man missing for almost two years has been identified in an abandoned residence, according to the Richland County Sheriff’s Office.
The remains of Dustin R. Engler, 43, were identified by a Mercyhurst University forensic odontologist using dental records, according to Maj. Jim Sweat.
Engler was reported missing in February 2023, according to Sweat, who said the RCSO was contacted by the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office after the body was found Sunday.
Sweat said the RCSO received a 911 call on Sunday at 1:25 p.m. reporting the discovery of possible human skeletal remains in the detached garage of an abandoned residence at 1038 Crestline-Blooming Grove Road in Sandusky Township.
According to the incident report, the caller said he and others were driving around when they saw a house that seemed to be abandoned.
The man said they stopped to take a look around inside, walking through the house and then into the detached garage on the the southwest side of the house.
They found what appeared to be human remains next to a couch. They left the garage and called 911, according to the incident report.
Deputies responded to the location and concluded the skeletal remains were consistent with human remains, according to Sweat, who said the scene was secured and the Richland County Coroner’s Office was contacted.
On Monday, RCSO detectives and coroner’s office investigator were joined at the scene by the Mercyhurst University’s Forensic Anthropology Team and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation & Identification.
“The scene was processed and the skeletal remains were collected by Mercyhurst University’s team for identification,” Sweat said.
He said the RCSO was contacted by the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, which advised
they had an open missing persons investigation and provided deputies with a possible identity of the body.
That identity was then confirmed by dental records.
“The cause of death remains undetermined pending continued investigation,” Sweat said. “The Richland County Sheriff’s Office will continue to work with the Richland County Coroner’s Office and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office.”
“Anyone wishing to provide information concerning this investigation may contact the Richland County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit tip line by dialing 419-774-5610,” he said.
The house where the body was found is owned by a New Washington man and was built in 1930, according to the Richland County Auditor’s Office website. It sits on 86 acres, according to the website.