Old Mines Skeletal Remains Identified Washington County Sheriff’s Department Body Found In January, 2020 Has Been Positively Identified

Sheriff Zach Jacobsen has released information regarding the skeletal remains that were found early this year in Old Mines.

The Sheriff’s Department responded to a call in the area of Rock Hill Road on January 5th, 2020 in regards to human bones being found. The location was near the intersection Rock Hill and Pat Daly Roads in Old Mines.

The human remains were found in a wooded area. The scene and remains were processed by the Sheriff’s Department and the Washington County Coroner’s Office.

No identification was able to be made at that time. The case remained open and the body unknown until approximately two weeks ago, the beginning of April 2021.

Recently, the identity of the remains were confirmed through dental records as Melvin Douglas Sanders of Cadet.

Sheriff Jacobsen said, “The cause, manner and time of death haven’t been definitively established and remain undetermined at this time.”

The case remains open and active, however, there is no foul play suspected at this time. The Sheriff’s Department continues to gather details to establish a timeline for the death of Mr. Sanders.

Sheriff Jacobsen said, “I want to thank the Coroner’s Office and the Potosi Fire Protection District for their assistance with this ongoing investigation.”