Coroner confirms human remains were found in rural Ross County

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The Ross County Coroner’s Office confirmed that human remains were discovered over the weekend in a rural area of Ross County. The Guardian was the first to report the unsettling find on Sunday afternoon.

Preliminary reports indicate that deputies were dispatched to a location near the intersection of Black Run Road and Baum Hill Road shortly before midnight on April 20. The remains were found by two men who were out foraging for mushrooms and subsequently contacted the authorities, according to the sheriff’s office.

The county coroner informed the Guardian that the remains have been sent for an autopsy and identification.

The Guardian has sought additional information from the sheriff’s office but has not received a response at this time. Further updates will be provided as more details become available.

The discovery serves as a reminder of several high-profile missing persons cases in the county.

Some of which include:

• Stephanie Pelfrey (missing since 1974)

• Juan Manuel Ramirez (missing since 2001)

• Michele Raypole (missing since 2014)

• Charlotte E Trego (missing since 2014)

• Wanda J Lemons (missing since 2014)

• Stephen William Martin (missing since 2017)

More recently, the family of Whitney Hatfield, a 16-year-old girl from South Salem, continues a desperate search for answers in her disappearance. Hatfield was last seen at her Main Street residence on March 7.

Search crews, including volunteers and K-9 units, have scoured the area. Family members say K-9s tracked her scent to a location where she may have been picked up. Her motive for leaving, location, and safety are unknown.

Hatfield is 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighs 130 pounds, and has brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen in light-colored pants and a dark t-shirt.

Anyone with information on Hatfield’s whereabouts is urged to contact law enforcement.