Skeletal remains discovered outside Atlantic City three years ago have been identified as a Staten Island man last seen alive in 2011, authorities said Monday.
The remains belong to Kevin Morris, who was 32 years old when he disappeared, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office said.
Morris told friends he was traveling to visit his girlfriend before he went missing in October 2011, according to online search sites that archived his National Missing and Unidentified Persons System page. He had no known physical or mental problems, and investigators are still unsure exactly how or why he ended up in South Jersey.
In June 2021, nearly 10 years later, authorities discovered skeletal remains in the north Atlantic City suburb of Galloway Township. A skull was found on land belonging to the Pomona Gunning Club, police said.
In the same area, investigators found a cross that read: “RIP: Next time pay your dues,” BreakingAC reported. Cops said they were aware of the sign and removed it quickly. It was not mentioned in Monday’s announcement from the prosecutor’s office.
An autopsy was performed in 2021, but authorities have not revealed any information about how Morris died. No suspects have been publicly identified in connection with his disappearance.
In June 2023, police asked for the public’s help identifying the remains. They did not say Monday exactly how they confirmed Morris’ identity.
“The circumstances surrounding his death are currently under investigation by the Major Crimes Unit of the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office and anyone that may have information regarding his death or disappearance are encouraged to contact law enforcement,” the office said Monday.
Several agencies, including the county prosecutor, Galloway police and New Jersey State Police, are involved in the investigation.
