Human remains found in Jack's Creek identified as missing men in 1982 unsolved case – Washington Daily News

The human remains found at Jack's Creek were identified using circumstantial evidence, Washington Police Chief Phil Rollinson confirmed.

The remains are believed to be linked to an unsolved missing persons case in 1982. On December 10 of that year, three men, William Clifton, David McMicken and Michael Norman, disappeared after being spotted at a bar in Chocowinity.

Local law enforcement was contacted earlier this week by the North Carolina State Crime Lab, where DNA testing was conducted.

DNA profiles could not be recovered from the remains, the Washington Police Department said in a news release. “However, based on the totality of the circumstances of this case, WPD is satisfied that these are the three men reported missing in 1982. The remains found indicate three occupants of the vehicle.”

It is believed that on December 10, 1982, the men were traveling from Chocowinity to Washington in Clifton's 1976 Chevrolet Camaro. In February, a vehicle was recovered in Jack's Creek. The Washington Police Department was able to match the vehicle's VIN number to that of Clifton's Camaro.

Clifton's daughter, ReAnne, posted on Facebook on Tuesday, June 4 that, in her mind, this case was officially closed.

“I have to try to find some peace with this information. I know this will bring closure for others, and I hope it will for me as time passes,” she wrote. “I am incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to the research and for the unwavering support of the community throughout this long journey. Thank you all for your support.”

In a news release, Washington police said they “would like to once again extend our condolences to the families of these three men. We at the police department are proud of our involvement in this case and our opportunity to provide answers to the families. This was truly a community effort and everyone should be proud of their help.