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Forensic artist gives a face to skull, bones found near Buford Highway

The remains of an unknown man were found by construction crews in 2015. Detectives hope new forensic technology will bring up new leads to identify the man.
This forensic sketch was created by GBI investigators to help identify the skeletal remains of a man found in a wooded area of Buford. Credit: Gwinnett County Police

BUFORD, Ga. – Gwinnett County police have released a forensic model of a man whose remains were found in a wooded area near Buford Highway in 2015.

A Georgia Bureau of Investigation forensic artist is working with the Gwinnett County Medical Examiner’s Office to define the 3D model as much as possible, in hopes that someone who might recognize the person will come forward with information about his death.

The man was roughly between 25 and 40 years old at the time of his death and was between 5 feet 3 inches tall and 5 feet 7 inches tall. No clothing or personal items were found near the remains – likely due to the amount of time the body may have been there, police said.

The man’s skull was found by a construction crew that was clearing brush over sewer covers behind a row of homes on Centerville Drive. At first, crews thought it was a Halloween decoration, according to the police report. When they realized it was real, the crew immediately called police.

The remains were found on a loosely-packed gravel road about a quarter mile away from the main road, according to the police report.

During a search of the area, detectives found several other human bones scattered around the area.

The man had dental work done – remains show several composite fillings and a root canal done on a tooth in the lower jaw, a forensic anthropologist confirmed. Medical examiners suspect the man may have been associated with contractors who worked on the subdivisions nearby.

Police said there were no obvious signs of trauma or foul play, but the man’s cause of death has not been determined.

Anyone who might recognize the 3D model as a missing person or has information on this case should contact Gwinnett County Police at 770-513-5300. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477).

Crime Stoppers is offering up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.

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