Washington Police Chief Phil Rollinson accepted that human remains recovered from Jack’s Creek were identified using circumstantial evidence. The remains are thought to be linked to a 1982 missing person cold case. On December 10, that year, three men, William Clifton, David McMicken, and Michael Norman, went missing after being seen in a tavern in Chocowinity. The North Carolina State Crime Lab, which does DNA testing, contacted local law enforcement early this week.
According to a press release from the Washington Police Department, DNA profiles could not be obtained from the bones. “However, given the totality of the circumstances in this case, WPD is sure that these are the three missing men from 1982. The remains discovered show three occupants of the car.”
It is thought that on December 10, 1982, the guys were driving from Chocowinity to Washington in Clifton’s 1976 Chevrolet Camaro. In February, a vehicle was retrieved from Jack’s Creek. The Washington Police Department was able to verify the vehicle’s VIN number with Clifton’s Camaro. Clifton’s daughter, ReAnne, wrote on Facebook on Tuesday, June 4, that she believes the matter is completely concluded.
I need to try and make peace with this truth. “I know this brings closure for others, and I hope it does for me as time passes,” she added. “I am extremely grateful to everyone who helped with the search and for the community’s continuous support during this lengthy trip. Thank you for your support.”
In a news release, the Washington Police Department stated that they “would like to again express their condolences to the families of these three men.” We at the police department are proud of our role in this case and the opportunity to deliver answers to the families. This was a true communal effort, and everyone should be proud of their contributions.