Suspicious skull death investigation “undetermined” in Cambria County

CAMBRIA COUNTY, Ca. (WTAJ) – Officials have been unable to determine a cause of death for a man whose skull was found near the Little Conemaugh River in May.

Forensic tests were used to identify 40-year-old Michael K. Theys Jr., who had been missing since Jan. 30, 2023, Cambria County Coroner Jeff Lees said in a press conference Wednesday.

However, without additional remains or more information, the coroner’s office can only list the manner of death as undetermined.

“If more remains are located… or a cause of death can be determined through those findings, then the case can be reopened and the cause or manner of death be redetermined,” Lees said. “We were very limited with what we had to work with. We just had a skull.”

The skull was found by a fisherman around 8 p.m. on May 16.

Authorities had cadaver dogs in numerous locations searching for further remains, Cambria County District Attorney Greg Neugebauer said.

“It is a suspicious death obviously, and we are treating it as a serious investigation,” Neugebauer said.

Despite the inconclusive information about the death, Lees said they are grateful Theys’ skull was located.

“It gives the family closure and lets them proceed with some type of service,” Lees said.

The press conference also included information about the investigation into the death of 36-year-old Gregory Rohn and charges filed against Brian Giles , accused of murdering Jillie Todaro.

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The DA’s office is asking anyone with additional information to reach out at 814-472-1680.

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