Police: Bones found near Eaton were those of an animal

Douglas Walker, Muncie Star Press
·1 min read

EATON, Ind. — Bones found Thursday in northern Delaware County were those of an animal, Eaton Police Chief Jay Turner said Friday.

Since March 16, Eaton police have been searching for 14-year-old Scottie Dean Morris, a Delta Middle School student last seen when he left his family's Indiana Avenue home.

Flyers featuring missing child Scottie Dean Morris, hang at the Country Mark gas station in Eaton Ind. on Monday March 20, 2023. Morris, 14, left his family's home in Eaton about 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 16, 2023, and has not been seen since.
Flyers featuring missing child Scottie Dean Morris, hang at the Country Mark gas station in Eaton Ind. on Monday March 20, 2023. Morris, 14, left his family's home in Eaton about 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 16, 2023, and has not been seen since.

On Thursday night, officers learned what were believed to be bones were found with a "fire-type pit" near a barn along Delaware County Road 1200-N east of Ind. 3.

Eaton police, Indiana State Police, Delaware County sheriff's deputies, Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman and County Coroner Gavin Greene responded to the scene.

More:Eaton residents light candles, pray for missing Indiana teen's safe return

However, after consulting with three forensic anthropologists, it was determined the bones were "that of an animal," Turner said in a Friday Facebook post.

On Friday, Eaton police worked with members of the state police cyber team, and followed up on "tips and leads," the chief added.

The Thursday night activity came shortly after a candlelight vigil and march had been held in honor of the Morris youth in Eaton.

Anyone with information on Scottie Dean Morris' whereabouts is asked to call the Eaton Police Department at 765-396-3297 or 911.

Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Anthropologists say bones found near Eaton were those of an animal