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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Sirens & Gavels

Bones belong to man missing since ‘98

The family of a Spokane man missing since 1998 may finally have closure.

Arrangements have been made to transfer the remains of Carl D. Woracker to his mother in England. Woracker, who was born in 1971, was reported missing in June 1998. His car was found abandoned near 3600 W. Rosamond, and he was never seen again.

Then in April  2004, a shin bone was found in a wooded area near Indian Canyon Golf Course.

In July 2009, a thigh bone was found near where Woracker's car was abandoned, then a thigh and shin bone were found about 100 yards away. Detectives used power tools to uncover about 10 more bones, police said today.

A forensic anthropologist determined the person had been dead for 10 to 12 years. Detective Mark Burbridge discovered Woracker's case in missing person reports and obtained a DNA swab from Woracker's mother, Joy Woracker.

The DNA and bones were sent to the University of North Texas, which determined the bones likely belonged to a child of Joy Woracker, police said.

Foul play is not suspected in Woracker's death, said Officer Jennifer DeRuwe, spokeswoman for the Spokane Police Department.



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