Hailey
After almost a decade of pain, mystery, and heartbreak, the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office has finally confirmed that the human remains found near the Neosho River belong to Jay Kevin Shumate, a 60-year-old man who went missing from Erie, Kansas in January 2016.
This discovery brings an end to years of unanswered questions for his family and community. While the cause of death is still unknown, the confirmation offers much-needed closure after nearly 10 years of uncertainty.
The Day Jay Kevin Shumate Disappeared
On the morning of January 17, 2016, Jay and his mother drove to a local pharmacy in Erie, Kansas. After parking his truck near Main and State streets, Jay stepped out without his wallet and other personal belongings. He never returned.
According to reports, Jay was known to often walk along US59 or take routes leading toward the Neosho River.
Because of this routine, investigators initially believed he may have wandered near the river. Despite quick action by local authorities, Jay did not return home, and his disappearance became one of Erie’s most unsettling mysteries.
Large-Scale Search Efforts
The community wasted no time in coming together. On January 21–22, 2016, the Erie Police Department, the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office, and local volunteers launched a massive search.
- Volunteers and officers searched on foot through snowy fields.
- ATVs and horseback riders covered larger ground quickly.
- Aircraft flew overhead to scan areas difficult to reach.
Their main focus was the stretch between Erie and the Neosho River, where Jay was often seen. Despite all these efforts, no trace of him was found.
Rumors of sightings briefly gave hope—one person even claimed they saw a man matching Jay’s description hitchhiking on US69 near Pittsburg. Unfortunately, these leads did not provide answers, and the search was called off.
Discovery of Human Remains
Over the years, the Neosho River flooded multiple times. Authorities later suggested that the water may have moved or hidden remains, making it harder to locate Jay.
Then, on February 13, 2023, a group of people searching for deer antlers stumbled upon a human skull in a rural area. The sheriff’s office immediately launched an investigation.
Search teams combed the entire area but did not find other bones, clothing, or personal belongings. The skull was sent to the Washburn University Forensic Anthropology Lab, which determined that it most likely belonged to a male.
DNA Testing Confirms Identity
With no other clues available, investigators turned to science. The sheriff’s office worked with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) to collect DNA samples from Jay’s family. These were sent to PTC Laboratories in Texas for advanced testing.
Finally, on August 25, 2025, the results came back positive. The DNA confirmed that the skull belonged to Jay Kevin Shumate. Sadly, the tests could not reveal the exact cause of death, leaving one part of the mystery unsolved.
Jay Kevin Shumate’s Description at the Time of Disappearance
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Missing From | Erie, Kansas |
| Missing Since | January 17, 2016 |
| Age Then | 60 |
| Height | 5’9’’ |
| Weight | 150 lbs |
| Hair/Eyes | Brown / Brown |
| Distinguishing Marks | Beard & mustache, three scars on stomach, one on back, tattoos including a broken skull, smoke turning into a devil, a knife, and a unique hand gesture |
What This Means for His Family and Community
For nearly 10 years, Jay’s family lived in the painful uncertainty of not knowing what happened. They waited through countless false leads, dead ends, and frustrating searches. Now, with the confirmation of his identity, they finally have some answers.
The community of Erie also remembers how deeply people came together when Jay first went missing. Volunteers gave their time and resources, showing how small towns unite in times of crisis.
Although the mystery of how Jay died remains unsolved, the identification of his remains provides a form of closure. His family can now begin to grieve properly and honor his memory with the dignity he deserves.
The story of Jay Kevin Shumate highlights the emotional toll a disappearance takes on families and communities. For almost 10 years, loved ones lived with questions and pain, not knowing whether Jay was alive or dead. Thanks to modern DNA technology, they finally have answers.
Even though the cause of death remains a mystery, this discovery ensures that Jay’s memory will live on, and his family can find peace after years of uncertainty. His case is a reminder of the importance of persistence, science, and community support when searching for missing persons.