After a thorough investigation, it has been determined that the skeletal human remains found in the wooded area off Independence Street in Cumberland on March 4, 2025, belong to Ray Lawrence Aleshire.

Mr. Aleshire was reported missing by his son on March 9, 2023, after several weeks without contact. His son explained that Larry was homeless and stayed in the local area, but it was unusual for him to be out of touch for so long.

Since his disappearance, officers from the Cumberland Police Department, detectives from the Allegany County Combined Criminal Investigation Unit, and allied agencies worked diligently to locate Larry, interviewing individuals and following up on potential leads—unfortunately, to no avail.

On March 4, 2025, a citizen using a metal detector in a wooded area behind Independence Street reported discovering what appeared to be human bones. Officers responded to the scene and confirmed the remains were human. Detectives, along with crime scene technicians from the Maryland State Police and a forensic investigator from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, conducted a thorough search of the area, collecting evidence scattered across an acre of woodland.

On March 11, 2025, law enforcement conducted a second search, expanding the perimeter. During this search, they located a nearby campsite along with a backpack and documents bearing the name Lawrence Ray Aleshire.

The remains were subsequently transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office, where they underwent scientific analysis by a forensic anthropologist. By comparing the remains with known medical records of Lawrence Aleshire, the anthropologist was able to make a positive identification. However, despite this identification, the Medical Examiner’s Office was unable to determine the exact cause of death.

Officers recently met with the Aleshire family, who expressed their deep gratitude for the community’s support and the efforts made to locate Larry.

Chief Ternent said, “As Chief, I also want to express my appreciation for the years of hard work my officers and C3I Detectives have dedicated to this case, always with the goal of bringing closure to the family. Additionally, I want to thank the entire community—particularly Larry’s family, friends and associates—who supported us and sincerely wanted to help find him.”