Remains found in Sanford identified as missing Wisconsin man from 1997

Human remains found in a wooded area of Sanford almost 30 years ago have been identified as John Richard Moulis, a Wisconsin native reported missing in Orange County in January 1997, according to Sanford police and FOX 35 Orlando.

Moulis disappeared at age 37, and the remains were discovered months after his disappearance by two people walking their dog who spotted bones and called authorities, as reported by wogx.com.

At the time of discovery, investigators had not linked the remains to Moulis, but recent advances in technology and genetic genealogy allowed authorities to trace relatives and confirm his identity.

Moulis moved to the Orlando area around 1986 and worked in janitorial services at Splendid China, with possible employment for a construction contractor connected to Walt Disney World, according to Sanford Police Department.

Police described Moulis as a son, brother, and uncle from a large family who had spent decades seeking answers. His sister, the closest living relative, passed away shortly after investigators made the identification.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Moulis' disappearance and death.