In February of 2004, human remains were found on private property adjacent to Well Mountain Road near Westminster. Investigators determined they belonged to a white male between 21 and 30 years old who had likely been dead for several years.
In 2007, specimens from the remains of "John Doe" were sent to the University of North Texas for DNA testing. Four years later, the DNA profile was entered into the Combined DNA Index System, CODIS, for family comparison.
Earlier this month, the Oconee County Coroner's Office and Greenville Police were notified that a match had been made. Coroner Karl Addis says the remains have been identified as Eric Lee Mason, who was 20 years old when he was reported missing in 1996. Mason was originally from Gaston County, North Carolina.
A cause and manner of death have never been determined. Anyone with information about Mason's death is asked to contact the Oconee County Sheriff's Office at (864) 718-1052 .
Any questions regarding the missing person investigation, please contact Lt. Tim Conroy with Greenville Police Department at (864) 467-4391.
Press release from Oconee County Coroner Karl Addis below:
June 12, 2026: This press release is to announce that human remains discovered in 2004 near Westminster, have been identified through DNA analysis.
The remains were initially discovered on February 14, 2004 on private property adjacent to Well Mountain Road near Westminster. Additional remains were found on February 16, 2004. There mains were determined to be those of a Caucasian male with an approximate age range of 21 to 30at the time of his death. The remains had been deceased 3 to 5 years plus at the time of discovery.
No cause or manner of death has been established at this time.
In 2007, specimens were submitted to the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification in hopes a DNA standard could be obtained. In 2011, this office received confirmation DNA was collected and entered into CODIS to be compared to any family standards submitted for comparison.
Earlier this month, the Oconee County Coroner Office and the Greenville City Police Department was notified identification had been established through DNA.
The remains are identified as Eric Lee Mason, who was 20-years old when reported missing in 1996.Mr. Mason is originally from Gaston County, North Carolina.
Any questions regarding the missing person investigation, please contact Lt. Tim Conroy with Greenville Police Department at (864) 467-4391.Anyone with any information regarding this death is requested to contact the Oconee County Sheriff’s Department CID Bureau.
Human Remains Found in 2004 in Westminster
Human Remains Found in 2004 in Westminster
