DOUGLAS COUNTY— The human remains recovered southeast of Lawrence in January have been identified as Guy Wayne Collins, 47, who had been listed as a missing adult since July 9, 2021, according to Sheriff's department spokesman George Diepenbrock.
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office deputies on Friday received a lab report from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation that stated DNA analysis confirmed the identity of the remains recovered Jan. 31 in the 1700 block of N 1250 Road.
Collins was released from custody in the Douglas County Correctional Facility on July 6, 2021, after he posted bond. His family had contacted the Sheriff’s Office on July 8, 2021, when they learned of his release but had no contact with him. The Sheriff’s Office then had asked for the public’s help in locating Collins.
Several months later on Jan. 31, two residents walking in the 1700 block of North 1250 Road noticed remains near a creek and alerted the Sheriff’s Office. Responding deputies and detectives confirmed the remains were human, and they searched the area and located additional bones near the water.
A forensic anthropologist assisted in the investigation. At this time, no foul play is suspected in his death.