Chambers family insists investigation into disappearance remains open

May 9—Authorities confirmed late last week that remains discovered in November were those of a Quinlan man who had been reported missing for more than six years.

The family of Michael Chambers, while gratified to receive the news, are saying the work to determine what happened is still underway.

"This is not the end, but only the beginning," said Michelle Chambers Bonner. "This case still remains an OPEN INVESTIGATION."

Chambers disappeared in March 2017 and was last seen on surveillance cameras at the Walmart on Highway 34 in Quinlan. Since then the disappearance has been the source of searches by law enforcement agencies and private companies in several locations of interest.

On November 30, 2022, the Rains County Sheriff's Office was notified of the discovery of possible human remains in a wooded area just off U.S. Highway 276 east of the City of East Tawakoni. The Texas Rangers and Hunt County Sheriff's Office assisted the Rains County Sheriff's Office with the recovery and investigation into the remains. The remains were sent to the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification in Fort Worth, Texas to be examined and to seek identification of the remains.

The Hunt County Sheriff's Office released a statement Friday afternoon, confirming the remains found were Chambers.

"I ask for the continued prayers for the Chambers family," said Hunt County Sheriff Terry Jones. "Mr. Chambers family have waited for answers for a long time, and I hope this brings some closure to the Chambers family. This remains an open investigation and my office will continue to diligently investigate this case."

Jones added no further information would be released at this time.

Bonner, Chambers' niece, was the administrator of the Bring PaPaw home Facebook page, and said the family was grateful to find some closure.

"We want to take a moment to thank so many people that were moved by my uncle's case," Bonner said. "His life was spent giving to others, and in return so many gave their time and efforts to help him. We appreciate the love and support you have given us over the past 6 years. Also, we want to extend our deep appreciation to Klein Investigations for their tireless efforts, and countless hours of hard work and dedication to help find him. Thank you to Terry Jones for his continued efforts on this case. Please continue to pray for our family, and for those who still have a missing loved one."