Father of two who disappeared in 2015 ID'd after skeletal remains were found by a squirrel hunter

  • Derek Washington, 23, was reported missing near Birmingham two years ago
  • Last month, a squirrel hunter stumbled upon skeletal remains in nearby area
  • Jefferson County sheriffs performed forensic tests
  • Tests confirmed that the remains belong to Washington
  • Authorities have now launched a homicide investigation 

By Ariel Zilber For Dailymail.com

Published: 21:28 EST, 8 February 2017 | Updated: 21:48 EST, 8 February 2017

Authorities in Alabama have identified the skeletal remains of a 23-year-old man who went missing nearly two years ago.

Derek Washington was reported missing near Birmingham almost two years ago.

Last month, a squirrel hunter stumbled upon skeletal remains in Jefferson County and alerted authorities.

The hunter then notified Jefferson County sheriffs, who ordered a forensic investigation of the remains.

The medical examiners issued a report saying that the remains belonged to a male between the ages of 18 and 28.

Derek Washington
Derek Washington

Derek Washington (above), 23, was reported missing near Birmingham almost two years ago. His remains were positively identified on Tuesday by Jefferson County coroners

The report said that the remains were positively identified on Tuesday as those of Derek Dewayne Washington of Birmingham, Alabama.

Washington, a father of two young girls, was reported missing in April 2015.

Authorities are now proceeding with a homicide investigation.

Washington’s mother, Jessica Jackson, said that her son was last seen with people whom he knew.

‘We have heard over 15 stories but none panned out,’ she told AL.com.

‘I am praying that my son is on the run and not dead, but it is a possibility he could be.’

Jackson said that until a few months ago she would occasionally field anonymous phone calls, but those calls eventually stopped.   

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