Missing Man's 2021 Disappearance Solved: Skull Discovered in Springfield Provides Closure

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Authorities have confirmed that a human skull discovered in Springfield last month is that of a man who vanished two years ago.

On Wednesday, Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon announced that remains found in a creek on September 20 have been identified as Kenneth P. Brown, who was 42 when he disappeared in Springfield. The skull was located near the 6200 block of Winterberry Lane, within the Lake Pointe Apartments complex.

The coroner’s office entrusted the remains to the Illinois State Police Division of Forensic Services for DNA testing. Subsequent analysis verified that the skull belonged to Brown.

Brown was reported missing in May 2021 after last being seen on April 23 of that year. Following his disappearance, the Springfield Police Department sought the public’s assistance in their search, noting that Brown was known to frequent local hotels.

Organizations such as the Missing Persons Awareness Network then got involved in the search and was offering cash rewards for people who had information on Brown’s whereabouts. In June of 2021, the Sangamon County Crime Stoppers said law enforcement suspected foul play in this case and continued to ask the public for help in locating Brown.

Despite the remains being identified, Allmon and the Springfield Police Department are continuing to investigate this death.

WCIA reached out to the Springfield Police Department for more information and did not immediately hear back.