Skeletal remains found last week in Tuscaloosa County are believed to be those of a man reported missing late last year.

Marcus Skelton, 47, was reported missing from his home in a rural part of northern Tuscaloosa County in the New Lexington community in December 2024.

Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit Capt. Jack Kennedy said Skelton lived with his family and was last seen in May 2024.

Family told investigators he often left home for long periods of time for personal reasons – sometimes for several months – before returning.

Skelton also suffered from several medical issues that would cause concern, Kennedy said.

When he had not come back home or called by December, his family reported him missing.

The Tuscaloosa County Criminal Investigations Division began the missing person investigation.

After no leads were developed through investigation, specialized search canines were called upon and conducted a search of the property and surrounding area last week.

The dog team located skeletal remains in the wooded area several hundred yards behind the family’s residence.

At that time, the case was turned over to the Violent Crimes Unit to conduct a death investigation.

Kennedy said physical evidence found suggests that the remains are those of Skelton.

The remains are being tested to confirm their identity.

There are no immediate signs of foul play.

However, the investigation will remain open until identity is confirmed and all investigative leads have been exhausted, Kennedy said.

Anyone with information on the case or Skelton is asked to call investigators at 205-464-8690.