Tavar vehicle recovered – human remains found

In what is being described to local Historic City News reporters as a gruesome crime scene in a heavily wooded area, St. Johns County Sheriff’s investigators have located human remains this morning — in advanced stage of decomposition.

Last night, homicide investigators George Harrigan and Charles Brantly interviewed 26 year-old Joseph Dean Roberts who is in custody in the King County Jail in Seattle, Washington, accused of retail theft.

Roberts is also being held on outstanding St. Johns County warrants for grand theft and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. The missing RAV-4 vehicle belonging to 45-year old Brittany Jeniveve Tavar was located and recovered by law enforcement personnel in the Seattle area.

Armed with information learned by Harrigan and Brantly during their interview with Roberts last night, detectives responded to a location in St. Johns County this morning and began searching.

Crime Scene Investigators from the Sheriff’s Office are processing the scene and the remains will be transported to the District Medical Examiner’s Office for positive identification.

The cause of death of the individual will be determined following an autopsy.

The investigation continues and Historic City News will release additional information when it becomes available.