Crime & Safety
Skeleton Found in Mangroves Identified
After a fisherman found the skeletal remains of a human body and a pair of bermuda shorts, police discovered another clue in St. Petersburg.
A skeleton discovered by a fisherman in mangroves near Big Bayou was identified by police today.
The mystery was solved when police retrieved a wallet found in a pair of bermuda shorts with the remains.
Forensic specialists and the Medical Examier's Office had started working Friday, after the skeleton was found, to learn the gender, age and perhap cause of death. Police were unsure how long the process might take and whether they could put a name to the remains.
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On Monday, authorities said the skeleton likely is that of Thomas S. Schafer, a 54-year-old resident of the Edna Stephens Home missing since Jan. 23, 2012. The facility is located at 620 32nd Ave. South.
After the remains were removed from the mangroves, a wallet with cash and identification belonging to Schafer were discovered in the pocket of a pair of shorts found on the body.
The Medical Examiner's Office will need to confirm the identity and determine a cause of death. But police say they do not suspect foul play.
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