Update #3, 09/19/2018: GBI Forensic Artist Kelly Lawson recently reevaluated the case of unidentified remains found in Buford from July 2015.  She has been working with the Gwinnett County Medical Examiner’s Office to update the image previously released. 

As previously mentioned, the man was estimated to be between 25-40 years of age at the time of his death.  He may be between 5’3” and 5’7”.  No clothing or personal effects were located due to the amount of time the body was at the location.  The remains show multiple composite fillings and one root canal involving a tooth of the lower jaw.  Exact information about hair color, hair length, and skin tone is unknown.

There were no obvious signs of trauma or foul play noted at the scene.  The Medical Examiner is still not able to determine a cause of death.

Update #2, 03/14/2017: The Gwinnett County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted a second search of the area on March 3^rd and located four additional bones belonging to the unidentified person. There were still no personal effects found and the Medical Examiner is still not able to determine a cause of death. The Medical Examiner is theorizing that the man may have been associated with the contractors responsible for the nearby subdivisions. We ask that people take a second look at the sketch and report any tips immediately.

Update #1, 02/22/2017: The Gwinnett County Medical Examiner’s office is seeking information on the unidentified skeletal remains of a man who was found in July 2015 in a wooded area between Satellite Boulevard and Buford Highway near Suwanee Creek in Buford.  The remains had been in the woods for several years.  The man was estimated to be between 25-40 years of age and 5’3” to 5’7”.  No clothing or personal effects were located due to the amount of time the man was at the location.  The remains show multiple composite fillings and one root canal involving a tooth of the lower jaw.  These impressions have been confirmed by a forensic anthropologist.  There were no obvious signs of trauma or foul play noted at the scene.  There is also no manner and cause of death at this time.  The Medical Examiner can confirm that these remains do not belong to Justin Gaines.

Today, Kelly Lawson, a Forensic Artist from the GBI released the following reconstruction sketch.  Exact information about hair color, hair length, or skin tone is unknown.  The image is based on the artist’s impressions.

If anyone has any information to share in this case, please contact GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300.  To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestoppersatlanta.org.  Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case. Case #15-065056 

Original, 07/22/2015: (Buford, Georgia)  On Tuesday, July 21, at around 2pm, a work crew discovered a human skull along an easement in Buford.  The work crew was clearing an easement along a pipeline behind a row of homes on Centerville Drive.  Upon seeing the skull, the crew called 911. 

Officers assigned to the North Precinct responded.  Members of the Homicide Unit, Crime Scene Unit, and the Medical Examiner’s Office were notified. 

In conducting an area search, a nearly fully-intact skull and several other human bones were found scattered around the terrain.  No clothing was found in the immediate vicinity. 

At this point in the investigation, the lead detective is working to compare the body with Missing Person cases in Gwinnett County and other surrounding counties.  The Medical Examiner’s Office has possession of the bones.  They are working on a forensic examination to determine an identity.   At this point, the M.E.’s Office cannot conclusively determine if the remains are male or female. 

When more information becomes available, this Media Release will be updated. 

If anyone has any information to share in this case, please contact GCPD detectives at 770 513-5329 or 770 513-5300.  To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404 577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestoppersatlanta.org.  Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.  Case Number:  15-065056