Sheriff identifies remains found in woods

St. Johns County Sheriff David B. Shoar informed Historic City News today that investigators have identified the skeletal remains which were discovered in a wooded area off of SR 207, in June of 2008.

The victim has been identified as 34 year-old Matthew Christopher Wood 5’09”, brown hair and blue eyes.

He was discovered by individuals searching for discarded cans in the woods near State Roads 207 and 312.

Due to advanced decomposition, the identity and cause of death could not be determined at the time.

The Medical Examiner’s Office submitted DNA evidence for a profile comparison and recently received a match.

Detectives with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Robbery Homicide Section said Wood had contacts with law enforcement that date back to 2005. He was reportedly homeless in 2008, near the time of his death.

Wood was originally a resident of Georgia.

Investigators are seeking information from those who may have known Wood or had contact with him near the time of his death.

Anyone who may have information is asked to contact Detective Sean Tice with The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office at (904) 824-8304.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News contributed photograph by Sgt. C.E. Mulligan