Man identified months after human skull, other skeletal remains were discovered in Montgomery Co.
TOWAMENCIN TWP., Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- There are new details on a tragic mystery in Montgomery County after a human skull and other skeletal remains were discovered in a wooded area in March.
Now, months later, officials say they have identified the remains as 34-year-old Isaias Hernandez-Geronimo.
Police were contacted by a surveyor who found a human skull while doing work in the area of a water retention basin near the intersection of Welsh Road and Grist Mill Drive, by Orvilla Road, in Towamencin Township on March 19.
Investigators responded to the scene and, after a search of the area, discovered more skeletal remains, as well as some clothing, a backpack and a cell phone.
At the time of the discovery, authorities said they believed the remains had been there for a long time.
"They are predicting one-plus years this individual has been in this area," Montgomery County Coroner Dr. Janine Darby said at the time.
The body was so decomposed that Darby said there was no tissue to perform an autopsy and that a forensic anthropologist was needed to help learn more about the remains.
Action News was given exclusive access to the analysis of the remains several months ago and county coroner Dr. Janine Darby says while the clothing and the phone helped investigators, it was the DNA evidence that really helped shed light on Hernandez-Geronimo's identity.
With DNA technology, for sure, we can do more than we used to 10 years ago," Darby said.
Although Hernandez-Geronimo's cause of death remains undetermined, it appears his passing was either accidental or natural.
Based on the forensic identification and investigation analysis, they were able to say that there wasn't any foul play at this time. It's undetermined," Montgomery County Coroner Dr. Janine Darby said during a press conference on Tuesday. "There is nothing indicating suspicious activity resulting in Mr. Geronimo's death."
Members of Hernandez-Geronimo's family had only recently been notified of this identification to the remains. His brother took a few moments on Tuesday to talk about how he will be remembered.
"He was a good person. He'd liked to work. He wanted to make a name for himself, but it was not his destiny," said Jeremeas Hernandez.
Meanwhile, officials also say Hernandez-Geronimo had only arrived in the U.S. a few months before his disappearance and that no missing persons report has been filed despite his whereabouts remaining unknown for approximately two years.
He is survived by a wife, children and extended family.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 215-368-7606.
