On Aug. 10, human skeletal remains were found on an unnamed island in the Potomac River, about one mile from Swain’s Lock.
A man from Virginia was fishing just on the island just off the Maryland shore when he came across the remains.
Montgomery County Police have begun an investigation. Preliminary results indicate that the remains are that of a man. However, due to the state of decomposition, the person’s race and cause of death were not immediately discernible.
A wallet was found in close proximity to the remains and police suspect that the wallet belonged to the man. “The wallet had some identification in it,” said Derek Baliles, spokesman for Montgomery County Police.
The identification card, issued by the State of Maryland, was checked against missing persons reports but the result was negative.
“Unfortunately, there are a number of people who disappear,” Baliles said.
The investigation is continuing on two fronts — the wallet and the remains.
An autopsy began on the remains on Aug. 11, which were found scattered over a large area. It is hoped that they will be able to determine cause of death, and a general time of death.
“They’ll be able to give us a time frame,” Baliles said.
He explained that while a precise time will not be available, it can be narrowed down to within a few weeks.
Additionally, due to the high water levels in the Potomac, the person may not have died on or near the unnamed island. “It could have happened anywhere upstream,” Baliles said.
He said that the medical examiner will likely use dental and medical records, such as broken bones, to positively identify the remains.
Anyone with information about the identity of the victim is asked to call 240-773-5070.