LISBON — The body found Jan. 8 this year by a pair of hunters in Madison Township near McCormick Run Road has been identified through DNA as missing Salem resident Gary Warner.

Columbiana County Sheriff Brian McLaughlin announced the findings Friday night through a press release.

Warner, who was 67 at the time he went missing from his South Union Avenue home, had been last seen on March 25, 2022. His family contacted the Salem Police Department, describing his disappearance as uncharacteristic. His vehicles and dog were still at the residence at the time. Salem police detectives and officers have been working on the investigation ever since in an effort to locate him.

McLaughlin said Salem personnel met with the family Friday to notify them of the findings. He said via text that the case is being handled as a homicide, but when asked about a possible cause of death, he said there was nothing to release at this time.

According to the press release, the Salem Police Department will continue to assist the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office throughout this investigation. Anyone with any further information on the disappearance or the events surrounding Gary Warner’s death are asked to contact the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office at 330-424-7255 or the Salem Police Department at 330-337-7811.

Salem police had posted information on social media at the time Warner went missing, sharing a poster on social media and asking for the public’s help.

Salem Police Chief J.T. Panezott when contacted Friday night said they met with Gary’s brother Gregg to tell him he had been located and identified.

“We are thankful that Gary was finally identified. The family continues to be in our prayers and were advised that we will continue to be in close contact with any other developments. The case remains active and we will continue to work with the sheriff’s office as the investigation continues,” Panezott said.

The sheriff’s office became directly involved when the two hunters found skeletal remains in the woods near McCormick Run Road between state Route 518 and Glasgow Road. At the time, McLaughlin said there was some clothing, but no wallet, keys or any other items of identification.

He confirmed that the Bureau of Criminal Investigation was able to make the positive identification through DNA.

mgreier@mojonews.com