Remains identified 34 years after discovery near Lake Havasu City

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 3 Nov, 21:20 · Archive

Human remains found buried near Lake Havasu City in 1992 have been identified as Willie Blanton Mills, of Pennsylvania.

Human remains found buried in a wash off Interstate 40 near Lake Havasu City on 11 March 1992 have been identified as Willie Blanton Mills, a Pennsylvania resident. The victim had been buried in a shallow grave that animals had partially uncovered. Though an autopsy could not determine the cause of death, the condition of the body led deputies to rule it a homicide.

Detectives initially checked fingerprints against local and national databases and found no matching missing person. They removed a metal pin from the victim's right tibia and traced its brand and serial number, but the manufacturer's information led nowhere. The case went cold for over three decades.

A breakthrough came in June 2026 when NamUs, a Texas-based missing persons resource centre, contacted deputies and offered to fund DNA testing and a forensic genetic genealogy investigation. On 21 October, the FBI identified Mills using this method and located a relative who said Mills had not been seen since 1992. Fingerprints confirmed Mills' identity, and investigators learned he had a pin in his right leg from an accident, matching the evidence found at the scene.

Deputies say Mills was living with relatives in Santa Ana, California, when he disappeared. Authorities have not yet determined how he died or why he was buried in Mohave County.

How it is being reported

• Remains found buried near Lake Havasu City wash identified after 30+ yearsAfter 34 years, authorities have identified a John Doe that was found buried in northwestern Arizona.Azfamily · 3 Nov, 17:02
• Remains found buried near Lake Havasu City wash identified after 30+ yearsAfter 34 years, authorities have identified a John Doe that was found buried in northwestern Arizona.KOLD · 3 Nov, 17:02

In this story: Willie Blanton Mills · Lake Havasu City · Pennsylvania · Mohave County Sheriff's Office · FBI · NamUs · Santa Ana · Interstate 40

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