Human remains found in Coconino Co. may be those of man reported missing in 2007

COCONINO COUNTY, Ariz. (KSAZ) -- Officials with the Coconino County Sheriff's Office say human remains that were found over the weekend may be those of a man who has been missing for over 10 years.

According to a statement released Monday afternoon, hunters reported finding human remains near Cedar Wish and the Navajo Indian Reservation boundary on the morning of October 7. After deputies confirmed the remains as human, detectives and officials with the Coconino County Medical Examiners responded to the scene.

Although the investigation is still ongoing, CCSO officials say the location and condition of the remains leads investigators to believe the remains may be those of Jackie McClellan, Jr., who was reported missing in December 2007. At the time, McClellan's family reported that the man was last seen walking from the family's sheep camp.

The remains, according to CCSO officials, were found in the same general areas as the sheep camp.

A positive identification of the remains is still pending, according to officials.