A distinct tattoo has helped with the identification of a Connersville man’s body found in a wooded area in Preble County, Ohio.
Shortly before 3 p.m. Saturday, March 23, the Preble County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a resident in the 2000 block of Somerville West Elkton Road, which is in Somers Township near Camden. Camden is in the south-central portion of Preble County.
The caller reported that he located what he believed to be a dead body in a wooded area near his home. Deputies responded and confirmed the discovery of a male body. The body was located approximately 50 yards north of the roadway in a tree line.
The sheriff’s department says an initial investigation found that the body appeared to have been there for several weeks. Evidence of drug activity was also found near the body.
Detectives located an identification card, and further investigation determined that the male was possibly a missing person from Connersville, Indiana.
The deceased was removed from the scene to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office in Dayton, where an autopsy was performed on Sunday, March 24.
Investigators met with detectives from Connersville Police Department. After speaking with family of the missing male and based on a distinct tattoo on the deceased, the Preble County Coroner’s Office positively identified the male as Charles H. Rayburn, 40, of Connersville, Indiana.
Rayburn had been reported missing to Connersville police on Dec. 3, 2018.
Detectives are continuing their investigation. Toxicology reports are expected to take between six to eight weeks.
Preble County investigators will work with Connersville investigators regarding the circumstances of Rayburn’s disappearance.
This case remains under investigation by Preble County Sheriff’s Office and the Preble County Coroner’s Office.

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