ELLSWORTH COUNTY - Human remains found in rural Ellsworth County on Tuesday have been identified as those of a Salina man missing for more than a month.
In a statement released this morning, the Salina Police Department reported that on Friday, "a forensic odontologist was able to compare the dental records of Nathan Philip Thompson and the deceased remains and confirm the body's identity as that of Thompson."
Additionally, based on the autopsy performed, the medical examiner has determined that Thompson's death was a homicide.
On June 18, Salina police announced that they were investigating the disappearance of Thompson, 44, who hadn't been seen in more than a week. In information released on June 18, police reported that on June 13, the Salina Fire Department responded to a trailer home fire at 1635 Elgin in west Salina. No one was in the trailer at the time the blaze was extinguished, however the fire was classified as an arson.
At the time of the fire, neighbors told police that Thompson had been living in the trailer, but had not been seen for approximately a week.
On June 22, Salina police released photos of a Chevrolet Express van that police believe was used in Thompson's disappearance. Salina police continue to seek information about the van.
"The Salina Police Department has the van in its possession. We are asking the public for any information they can provide with regards to the van since June 9th, 2022, especially any sightings in rural areas," the Salina Police Department noted in the June 22 statement.
If you have had contact with Nathan Thompson since June 1, 2022, have information concerning his disappearance or have information relative to the fire at 1635 Elgin please contact the Salina Police Department at 785-826-7210. You may also call Crimestoppers at 785-825-TIPS or make an online tip at: https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#. Tipsters may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210 and ask to speak to Detective Lemon, case 2022-17281.