Indian Country

Shawnee, Oklahoma (AP) 4-08

Authorities say they’ve determined a human skull and bones found earlier this month in rural Pottawatomie County were that of a 17- to 23-year-old Hispanic or American Indian man.

Sheriff’s Deputy Jim Patten says a forensic expert has determined the man died within the past five years. He says investigators are looking for a missing man report that fits the description.

Tecumseh police detective J.R. Kidney says it’s possible the remains are those of 22-year-old Dustin Bench who disappeared seven years ago while walking home from his girlfriend’s house.

An Earlsboro man found the remains on his property as he hunted for mushrooms.