ANNISTON, AL — Human remains believed to be those of a missing Oxford man were discovered Monday afternoon by investigators with the Anniston Police Department during an ongoing missing person investigation.
According to Anniston Police, the remains were located June 15, 2026, in an overgrown area a short distance off South Quintard Avenue near the Anniston-Oxford city limits.
Based on items recovered at the scene, the decedent is believed to be Howard Patrick Brown Jr., 58, of Oxford. Brown was reported missing on June 7, 2026, and investigators from the Anniston and Oxford police departments have been actively working to locate him since that time.
Authorities said there are currently no immediate signs of foul play. The remains have been transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Huntsville for an autopsy and positive identification.
“This is not the outcome we hoped for, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones during this difficult time,” the Anniston Police Department said in a statement.
The department thanked the Anniston Fire Department, Oxford Police Department, Calhoun County Coroner’s Office, and the Calhoun County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance at the scene.
Officials said there is no known threat to the public, and no additional details are being released at this time. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding the case is asked to contact the Anniston Police Department Investigative Division at 256-240-4000.
