Remains found in Marion County believed to be missing Columbia man, sheriff's office says

MARION COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) – Remains found in Marion County are believed to belong to a missing Columbia man, according to law enforcement.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office said the remains found Thursday may belong to Delmar Lee Blake Jr.. He was reported missing in the Columbia area in August 2023.

MCSO said the remains were sent to the Mississippi State Crime Lab for positive identification, but are believed to be those of Blake.

MCSO said they received information about a vehicle found in a heavily wooded area in the Lampton community that matched the description of the vehicle belonging to Blake.

Investigators from the sheriff’s office and Columbia Police Department responded to the location and confirmed the vehicle was registered to Blake.

The investigators would then search the area where they eventually found the remains.

Marion County Coroner Jessie Graham responded and assisted with the recovery.

The sheriff’s office said no foul play is suspected, but the investigation is ongoing.

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