Human remains found in wooded area on Northshore

Livingston Parish authorities are trying to identify the remains of a man found in the woods in French Settlement.

"The skeletal remains of a human body were discovered just east of the address of 16880 Hwy 42 inside the town limits of French Settlement," Chief Criminal Deputy Jason Ard said in a news release. "Hunters were in that area looking for signs of deer when they came across the remains."

The French Settlement Police Department along with detectives from the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office began an investigation.

"Investigators located numerous human bones scattered within an approximate 50 yard radius. This was approximately 100-150 yards off the main hwy. Articles of clothing located at the scene included a pair of cargo shorts, a Columbia brand Bass shirt and a pair of black 'lace up' Sketcher low quarter shoes, men's size 9 1/2," Ard said. "The color of the clothing was faded so that the original color could not be determined. Also found was a key chain which contained a quarter sized Chrysler Corp. emblem along with a Chrysler vehicle key and a black medication storage vial."

Officials called on the forensic anthropology department at LSU to try and identify the dead man.

"The Livingston Parish Coroner's Office was dispatched to the scene as well as the Dr. Mary Manhien and her assistant from the LSU FACES Lab," according to Ard.

Officials say they have determined:

The remains are that of a white male 38 to 48 years of age
He was 5'7" to 5'9" tall
He had sustained prior injuries to the right side of his face, left leg/ankle and 2 or 3 broken ribs that had all healed.
The body could have been in the woods between 6 to 18 months.

Ard adds, "Anyone with information on the case is urged to contact Crime Stoppers or the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office @ 225-686-2241 ext # 345."