Nathan Louis Merkel, 63, of Wimer, was first reported missing in September 2023; persons of interest are in custody on unrelated charges outside of the county

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office detectives have made a breakthrough in a case of previously unidentified skeletal remains discovered in the Jacksonville-Applegate area, identifying Nathan Louis Merkel, 63, of Wimer. 

The case is considered a “suspicious death investigation,” and the remains were ID’d from a DNA comparison, according to a sheriff’s office news release.

Detectives have identified persons of interest in the case who are in custody outside of Jackson County on unrelated charges, the release said.

Their identities will be released pending further investigation and charges, according to the sheriff’s office. 

Merkel’s remains were first discovered in April 2024 in a remote, forested location in the Jacksonville-Applegate area in rugged terrain, requiring the assistance of search and rescue personnel to gain access. 

The body was affected by advanced stages of decomposition, causing state medical examiners to conduct additional testing before identifying Merkel, who was first reported missing in September 2023. Next-of-kin have been notified. 

Detectives believe there is no danger to the public at this time.

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