Investigators Find Remains in Tuscaloosa County Likely of Man Missing Since Last May

Investigators in rural Tuscaloosa County have located human remains they believe belong to a man who was last seen in May 2024.

Captain Jack Kennedy, the commander of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, told local media that 47-year-old Marcus Skelton has been missing from the New Lexington Community in rural northern Tuscaloosa County for a very long time.

He said Skelton's family reported him missing in December 2024, but that he was last seen months before that, in May 2024.

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Apparently long trips away from home for personal reasons were not unusual for Skelton, Kennedy said, and the family had no reason to worry except over "several medical issues that would cause concern."

After seven months without t seeing or hearing from the man, his family reported him missing in December 2024.

Kennedy said the Criminal Investigations Division of the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office began a missing person investigation but developed no leads, so a search dog team was sent to the area where Skelton lived last week.

"The dog team located skeletal remains in the wooded area several hundred yards behind the family’s residence," Kennedy said. "At that time, the case was turned over to the Violent Crimes Unit to conduct a death investigation."

The VCU investigates nearly all deaths outside a hospital setting in Tuscaloosa County and their involvement in a case does not necessarily indicate foul play.

"Physical evidence found suggests that the remains are those of the missing person," Kennedy said. "Currently the remains are being tested to confirm their identity. There are no immediate signs of foul play, however the investigation will remain open until identity is confirmed and all investigative leads have been exhausted."

Kennedy and the VCU said anyone who believes they have any information about this case or Marcus Skelton is urged to contact them at 205-464-8690.