Human remains found in Hartford

Times-Tribune staff

Madison County Coroner’s Office and state and local authorities are investigating following the discovery of human skeletal remains at the old Chemetco Industrial Plant in Hartford. 

In a news release Friday, Coroner Stephen P. Nonn said the remains were found Thursday afternoon ​​by a person who was doing aerial mapping of the property. That individual promptly reported his finding to local law enforcement.

The coroner’s office was dispatched to the scene at request of the Hartford and Wood River Police Departments. Illinois State Police Crime Scene Unit also responded and assisted in the search of the area, according to the release. 

Coroner’s Investigator Kelsey Jones confirmed the remains were human and death was pronounced at 3:45 p.m. Clothing and other property were recovered from the scene. According to the release, authorities are investigating if the remains may belong to Vernon Law, who has been missing since July 2022 from Wood River. 

The coroner’s office is utilizing a forensic anthropologist and odonatologist to assist them in efforts to make a positive identification. Madison County Coroner’s Office said in the release it will provide updates following an identification and notification of next of kin.