Human Skull Found in Springfield Identified as Man Missing Since 2021

Authorities have confirmed that a human skull discovered by children in a Springfield subdivision belongs to a man who had been missing for more than four years. The discovery was made on September 20, when children playing in a dried creek bed in the Lake Pointe Subdivision near the 6200 block of Winterberry Lane spotted what appeared to be human remains and notified adults, who then contacted police.

The Sangamon County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene and recovered the skull, which was later examined by forensic anthropologists before being sent to the Illinois State Police Division of Forensic Services for DNA analysis. Testing confirmed the remains belong to 42-year-old Kenneth P. Brown of Springfield, who was last seen on April 23, 2021.

Coroner Jim Allmon said the identification was made through DNA comparison, providing a long-awaited answer in a case that has remained open for years. Authorities have not released details regarding the condition of the remains or possible causes of death, noting that the investigation into Brown’s disappearance and the circumstances surrounding his death is still ongoing.

The Springfield Police Department continues to seek information from anyone who may have knowledge about Brown’s whereabouts after he was last seen in 2021.