The man found in the Osceola National Forest last week has been identified.
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday morning that the murder vicim has been identified as 32-year-old Shawn Waldron, of Lake City.
“Delivering such terrible news to a family about their loved one is never easy,” Sheriff Mark Hunter said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers remain with the victim’s family as we continue to work to bring closure to this case.”
CCSO’s investigation into the incident is ongoing and no further details are being released at this time, the release states.
The investigation began around 3 p.m. April 11 when a resident found human remains in the forest on the side of the road near NE Gum Swamp Road, west of NE Range Road.
The body was taken to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Jacksonville in the hopes of identifying the victim, who was described April 12 as a “light-skinned male.”
The CCSO labeled the find as a "suspicious death" on April 11, noting that foul play was expected, but did not elaborate on the reasoning behind the "suspicious death" moniker, nor provide any explanation as to why foul play was suspected.
Anyone with information is asked to contact CCSO detectives at 386-758-1095. Information may also be reported anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Columbia County by calling 386-754-7099 or www.columbiacrimestoppers.net.