MARTIN COUNTY, Ky. — The Martin County Sheriff’s Office says human remains found Tuesday in the Inez community are believed to be those of missing man, Jody Pauley.

According to Sheriff John Kirk, a wallet containing Pauley’s identification was discovered near the remains, along with clothing that family members confirmed matched what he was last seen wearing.

Pauley, of Inez, was reported missing on April 22 after last being seen on March 5 in the 700 block of East Main Street.

Authorities say the remains were discovered by a man returning from hunting in a wooded area near Coldwater Road. The remains have been sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort for official identification.

The case is being led by Detective Tony Tackett, with assistance from Kentucky State Police and the Martin County Sheriff’s Department.

No additional details have been released at this time.

This report was compiled using information gathered from law enforcement statements, official press releases, and publicly available news sources.