Button Photo May Provide Lead in Skeletal Remains Investigation

10/27/2004


	Button

CContact: Lieutenant Gregg Hastings
Phone:   503-682-0208 x 225
Pager:    503-323-3195

Investigators looking into the discovery of human skeletal remains in rural Tillamook County last week hope that buttons found in the area will help lead to an identification of the individual.

On October 20, 2004, an elk hunter reported the discovery to law enforcement authorities. The unidentified partial skeletal remains were located in a wooded area off Highway 26 near milepost 30.5 near Section 10 Road. A search of the area with the assistance of Oregon State Police Crime Lab personnel and 38 recruit officers from the State Police Recruit School located the remains, including the skull and lower jaw with teeth present. This should allow investigators to compare dental records in their attempt to confirm the identity.

On the front of the found buttons is the image of a 3-legged eagle surrounded around the rim with the words "ES DEVS SPES NOSTRA". Research reveals the origin is Latin and means, "GOD IS OUR HOPE". The buttons may be a reproduction / remake of buttons worn by Hessian soldiers during the Revolutionary War.

Investigators believe the skeletal remains may have been at the scene for at least one year. A forensic examination indicates the deceased is a Caucasian male, over 6 feet tall, and in an age group between late 20’s and mid 30’s.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of this individual is asked to contact Oregon State Police Detective Matt Beeson at (503) 325-5515 x 25, or Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office Detective Mike Fox at (503) 815-3342.