Lab IDs remains found in bank chimney

ABBEVILLE, LA (WAFB) - Police have confirmed the name of the person, whose remains were found in the chimney of a bank in May, as a man who was last seen 27 years ago.

The Abbeville Police Department said the LSU FACES Lab in Baton Rouge called Monday and said the remains were those of Joseph Schexnider.

Detectives said he was 26 at the time of his disappearance.

Workers doing remodeling on the Bank of Abbeville discovered the remains.

Investigators said they do not suspect foul play in Schexnider's death.

Police said he was to appear in court in 1984 on a charge of possession of a stolen vehicle.

When he didn't show up, deputies with the Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office went to his family's home to take him into custody.

However, his mother said she thought he had run off to avoid getting arrested.

She added she did not report him missing because she knew deputies were already looking for him.

According to family members, Schexnider had a history of disappearing for long periods of time.

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