The skeletal remains of a man found not far from an Interstate 70 overpass near Terre Haute in 1998 have finally been identified.
Now, Indiana State Police are seeking the public’s help in investigating that man’s death.
The remains are those of Mitchell Preston of Anderson, police said. He was last seen in August 1997 in Anderson when he was 47 years old. He was on foot and traveling to California when he went missing.
In January 1998, a state highway worker found the remains along Fruitridge Avenue near the I-70 overpass in Vigo County.
Over the past 26 years, various investigative techniques and many hours have been spent trying to identify the remains, all without success.
Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System and sent to Louisiana State University, where specialists developed a forensic facial reconstruction and released it to the public.
In 2023, the Vigo County Coroner’s Office, in collaboration with the Indiana State Police and the University of Indianapolis, submitted forensic evidence to Othram, a company that specializes in forensic genetic genealogy.
Othram was able to develop a DNA profile that provided new research leads. Detectives from the Indiana State Police Cold Case Team contacted possible family members based on the information developed by Othram.
While ISP said investigators are happy to bring some closure to Preston’s family, they are asking for the public’s help in their investigation.
Anyone who has seen Mitch Preston or has any knowledge of what may have happened to him is asked to contact Detective Brad Miller at 800-225-8576.
This is an active investigation and all tips will be investigated and can remain anonymous, police said.
