The Brief

Human remains found in Lacey in 2009 have been identified as Donald Myrel Nelson.

Nelson was reported missing in 1989, just before his 29th birthday.

Investigators are still working to determine the cause of his death.

THURSTON COUNTY, Wash. - Human remains discovered in a Lacey have been identified as Donald Myrel Nelson, solving part of a 35-year-old cold case that began with his 1989 disappearance.

(Thurston County Sheriff's Office, Courtesy of Othram )

The backstory:

According to the Thurston County Sheriff's Office (TCSO), the skeletal remains were found in a field near Meadows Elementary School on April 30, 2009. The body was wearing Levi's jeans, boxer shorts and knee-high white athletic socks with a green Nike logo.

Despite traditional forensic efforts, autho

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