Human Remains Found Northeast of Celina; Authorities Investigating Possible Connection to Missing Man

The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after human remains were found Tuesday morning in a heavily wooded area northeast of Celina.

Mercer County Sheriff Doug Timmerman said the remains were discovered at approximately 11:30 a.m. on August 18 in an area south of Hand Up Village and north of the Celina city limits.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, members of the Celina Police Department were initially searching the area because the City of Celina owns property there. Officers located personal effects during the search and contacted the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office.

Mercer County deputies and detectives then joined the search, and a cadaver dog from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources was called to the scene. The suspected human remains were located by the cadaver dog in an area described as heavily wooded and covered with thick vegetation.

Sheriff Timmerman said the remains and personal belongings found at the scene are consistent with what Timothy Anderson was reportedly wearing and carrying when he was reported missing on August 10. Anderson and his belongings were last seen on August 4.

Authorities have not yet officially identified the remains.

The Mercer County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene. Mercer County Coroner Dr. Alyssa Tobe ordered an autopsy, and the remains will be transported to Montgomery County for further examination.

The Sheriff’s Office and Celina Police Department were also assisted at the scene by Les Bowen of Elite Drone Services.

Sheriff Timmerman thanked citizens who provided tips and leads during the investigation. Deputies and detectives had been following up on those tips as part of the search for Anderson.

No additional information is expected to be released until the autopsy is completed and the investigation progresses.