Palm Bay Police Investigate Discovery of Human Remains Tied to Ongoing Missing Person Case

PALM BAY, Fla. – Authorities in Palm Bay are currently awaiting a medical examiner’s confirmation after unearthing human remains in a wooded area. Investigators believe these remains may be linked to a person who has been missing for nearly a year.

The remains were discovered on Wednesday amidst the trees along Santo Domingo Avenue. Detectives are actively investigating to ascertain whether this find is related to the ongoing missing person case.

In connection with the investigation, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Wednesday morning at a residence located on Turk Road. This action prompted a SWAT team response, capturing the attention of local residents.

“They were using loudspeakers, instructing people to exit with their hands up,” recounted Olivia Coursey, a nearby resident who filmed the scene from her backyard as officers surrounded the property. “It was a very frightening experience.”

During the house search, officers arrested 51-year-old George Mancilla on drug-related charges after discovering drug residue and paraphernalia in his bedroom.

Investigators identified Mancilla as a person of interest in the missing person investigation but said he has not been charged in connection with the disappearance.

Detectives said information gathered during the search led them to the wooded area about two miles away, where the remains were discovered. The area was blocked off as crime scene investigators processed the scene.

Corrections records show Mancilla spent much of the past two decades in prison, serving time between 2002 and 2016. He was most recently released in 2024 and has prior felony convictions, including burglary, battery and grand theft.

Police said Mancilla remains in custody at the Brevard County jail on the drug charge and a probation violation.

Investigators emphasized the case remains active and said they are waiting on the medical examiner’s office to identify the remains and determine whether they are connected to the missing person case.