Man identified after remains found in Canton in 2020

CANTON, Ohio (WJW) – A man whose remains were found in Stark County in 2020 has been identified.

Stark County Sheriff George Maier and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced his identity at a press conference Thursday morning.

Law enforcement announced the remains were identified as Michael Leach, who was last known to live in Dover in Tuscarawas County.

The man’s remains were found on Sandy Avenue on March 31, 2020.

Investigators said Thursday he was approximately 61 years old at the time of his death.

His cause of death has not been determined.

He suffered a skull and shoulder fracture at the time of his death, and law enforcement believes that he may have died in 2018.

The sheriff says advanced DNA technology helped them identify Leach.

Law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.

Anyone with information should contact the Stark County Sheriff’s Office at 330-430-3823.

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