Missing Man Identified After Body Found Behind Northport Outlet

NORTHPORT, AL — The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit on Monday identified a deceased man found in a wooded area behind businesses off of McFarland Boulevard in August.

Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.

Captain Jack Kennedy, commander of the multiagency unit, said the body of 47-year-old Jason Robert Lainberger was found on Aug. 21 near the intersection with Northbrook Drive.

Lainberger had been reported missing since July.

Kennedy said Northport Police discovered Lainberger’s body while searching for him before saying that the area where he was found is not considered suspicious.

He then said an autopsy conducted by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences (ADFS) and subsequent DNA testing took several months to confirm the identity of the deceased.

Officials confirmed it was Lainberger late last week.

"Although the initial autopsy has not indicated any signs of trauma and foul play is not suspected, the Violent Crimes Unit continues to work with ADFS to determine the official cause of death," Kennedy said. "The investigation remains ongoing as authorities seek to gather more information surrounding the circumstances of Lainberger's death."

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com