GREGG COUNTY, Texas — Human remains discovered in the Liberty City community last year have been identified as a Gregg County man who was reported missing in 2025, according to the Gregg County Sheriff's Office.
Investigators identified the remains as those of Mitchell Walters, whose disappearance was reported to the sheriff's office in July 2025.
The investigation began on Sept. 27, 2025, when deputies responded to private property in the Liberty City area after a human skull was discovered.
Because the identity of the deceased was unknown, investigators collected the remains and submitted them to the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification in Dallas for forensic examination and DNA analysis.
On March 18, 2026, investigators were notified that forensic experts had successfully developed a DNA profile from the remains. The profile was subsequently entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) in an effort to identify the individual.
Authorities received confirmation on May 26, 2026, that the DNA profile matched Mitchell Walters.
The sheriff's office said Walters' family has been notified of the identification.
Investigators have not released details regarding how Walters died, and officials said the circumstances surrounding his death remain under active investigation.
No additional information is being released at this time.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact Investigator Zach Kaminski with the Gregg County Sheriff's Office at 903-237-2544. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-STOP (7867).
The investigation remains ongoing.
