Human remains found ID'd as Franklin Co. man who went missing in 2024

(BROOKVILLE, Ind.) – Human remains that were found in rural Franklin County last week have been identified. 

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office says the skeletal remains belong to Roger Purcell, of West Harrison. 

Purcell was 50-years-old when he went missing from his mother's house on June 21, 2024.

He had been living with his mom, Ruth, following a stroke he suffered about a decade before.

His mom said he had disappeared from the home without taking his wallet or cell phone.

There was a long, extensive search for Roger but he wasn't located until human remains were found in the southeastern part of the county on Friday. 

“According to the Coroner's Office, the identification was made through the examination of medical devices associated with previous surgeries,” the sheriff’s department added. 

The investigation remains ongoing pending additional autopsy and forensic examination results.

The Franklin County Sheriff's Department credited the Franklin County Coroner's Office, the University of Indianapolis Human Identification Center Forensic Anthropology Team, and all assisting agencies for their efforts throughout the 2-year investigation.