Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A human skull discovered two months ago has been identified as being that of a man missing for more than four years.

According to Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon, a laboratory report done by Illinois State Police’s Division of Forensic Services identifies it as being Kenneth P. Brown, 42, of Springfield.  The determination was made through DNA analysis, after the skull was found September 20 in a creek near the 6200 block of Winterberry Lane in Springfield.

Our news partners at WAND-TV reported in 2021 about Brown’s disappearance, missing since April of that year after last being seen at a Days Inn in Springfield.  It wasn’t clear at the time why he was there, nor if any sort of foul play was involved.  Brown’s mother told WAND he was a loving person, and his sister said she’d talk with him on the hour for hours at a time.

In May of 2021, the Missing Persons Alert Network had offered a $2,000 reward leading to Brown’s discovery.

Allmon’s office says no other information can be released, as an investigation continues by the coroner and Springfield.