Human skeletal remains discovered near a homeless encampment in Akron last week have been identified as those of a 22-year-old Canton man.
According to the Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office, the remains belong to Xavier Menefee. His identity was confirmed through dental radiograph comparison following an investigation that began on Friday, May 2.
Akron Police officers initially responded to a report of a fight around 4:47 p.m. in the 300 block of Silver Street. While speaking with the individuals involved, one of the men informed officers about an incident that had occurred days earlier involving the discovery of human remains in a trash bag.
Officers followed up on the tip and located the trash bag, as well as additional remains in and around a fire pit near the area.
The remains were transported to the Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office, where forensic experts conducted further examination leading to Menefee’s identification.
The Akron Police Department and the Medical Examiner’s Office are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death. No further details have been released.
