Yesterday evening, human skeletal remains were reported to Soldotna Police Department and recovered. They were located “approximately 200 yards southeast of 43199 Sterling Highway,” between Whistle Hill and Mackey Lake Road, according to information posted by the department on Facebook.

Remains and personal items were collected from the scene that identified the deceased as Richard Butts and there was no indication of foul play, the department said via Facebook.

Butts was last seen on Nov. 16, 2018, according to a missing persons bulletin published by Alaska State Troopers later that month. His last known location was Fred Meyer in Soldotna. KDLL reported in 2019 that Butts was included on a list of cold cases released by troopers in October 2019.

The Facebook post by Soldotna Police also says that the investigation is ongoing at this time and that further updates will be provided.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.