Body found in Louisiana identified as Picayune man missing for months

The skeletal remains found last month in a field on the north shore have been identified, authorities said Friday.

They belong to Daryl D. Jenkins, 38, who was reported as a missing person in Picayune, Mississippi, according to the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office. Jenkins was last seen in July 2022 and was reported missing two months later.

His remains were found Jan. 18 in a field near the Washington Parish-St. Tammany Parish line.

Authorities continue to investigate the cause and manner of his death.

Identified through DNA

The remains were identified through DNA analysis, according to a statement released Friday by the coroner’s office.

They obtained a DNA sample from the remains on Jan. 24. On Feb. 6, the analysis was complete and they loaded it into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), a national database of genetic records.

The next day, CODIS gave a preliminary match, authorities said. The preliminary information was confirmed Thursday.

The St. Tammany Coroner’s Office is the only one in the state with its own DNA lab, according to the statement.

Anyone with information about Jenkins’ disappearance is asked to call Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111.

For updates on this story, go to Nola.com’s website.