By By Brian Blackley, Publisher
The Escambia County Sheriff's Office received information this week that the Alabama Department of Forensics has verified the identity of a body found in the Conecuh River as being that of "Scotty" Dewayne King.
The body, discovered by divers who were spear fishing near McGowin Bridge, was positively identified Monday afternoon. The identity was confirmed by a radiology specialist who examined the chest and back areas of the body and compared them with old X-rays of King.
According to Sheriff Tim Hawsey, the cause of death is still unknown. Chemical tests are being conducted that may take several weeks to conclude, according to officials with the ECSO.
No trauma to the body, internally or externally, has been discovered.
Sheriff Tim Hawsey said investigators are still following up on leads and said the case is being treated as a homicide at the present time.
The Alabama Bureau of Investigation is assisting the sheriff's office in the investigation.
King's body was discovered inside the vehicle he was driving at the time of his disapperance in February. The vehicle was found submerged about 42 feet in the Conecuh River on Saturday, April 27.
The ECSO, along with other offices, conducted land and air searches during a three-month search for King. His mother filed the missing persons report on February 14. He was last seen alive on Feb. 11.
Hawsey said investigators are currently following up on leads and trying to determine how King's car ended up in the Conecuh River.