Death investigation under way after human remains found in Fowler near car of missing Warsaw man

FOWLER, Ill. — A car associated with a missing person case in Hancock County was discovered Wednesday night, and a death investigation is under way after human remains were discovered Thursday morning about 300 yards from where the car was found.

The Quincy and Adams County 911 Center notified the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department at approximately 6:25 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4 of a possible sighting of a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis associated with Zebulon Greer, 27, of Warsaw, who has not been seen since July 28.

A press release from the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department indicated that the Adams County Sheriff’s Department responded and confirmed that the vehicle did belong to Greer. Hancock County Chief Deputy Josh Smith and both of of the county’s canine units (Sgt. Brock Landis and Deputy Rhea Flambeau) responded to the scene southeast of Fowler.

A preliminary search of the vehicle and of the immediate area was conducted. The Tri-Township Fire Department also searched with a drone. However, Greer was not found in the immediate vicinity.

Calls were made to Adams County Emergency Management Agency and to Hancock County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency. A ground search was scheduled for early Thursday morning.

Shortly after 8 a.m., human remains were discovered approximately 300 yards away from where the car was found.

The Adams County Sheriff’s Department and the Adams County Coroner’s Department took over the scene.