BAY CITY (WWJ) — Divers were back in the Saginaw River in Bay City on Friday searching for more evidence related to the murder of a Bay City man.
Search efforts continued two days after human remains were found in the river near the Edward Golson Boat Launch around 6 p.m. Wednesday. The Bay City Department of Public Safety said authorities found two arms and two lower legs, including feet.
On Thursday authorities identified the victim as 41-year-old Justie Stilwell. His family had reported him missing earlier in the day Wednesday and his car was found at a nearby park on Thursday.
While officials identified Stilwell using his fingerprints, it is still not clear how his remains wound up in the river.
Multiple agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, Michigan State Police and local departments, all had watercraft in the river Thursday and Friday searching for more evidence using sonar equipment and cadaver dogs. They searched “areas of interest” on Thursday, but no additional evidence was found.
It was not immediately clear whether crews made any discoveries on Friday.
As of Thursday, police officials said there was no information about a possible suspect or motive, but it was believed to be an isolated victim and that the victim somehow knew the suspect.
Anyone who knows something about the incident is asked to call the Bay City Department of Public Safety at 989-892-8571 or the non-emergency number to Bay County Central Dispatch at 989-892-9551.
Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-422-JAIL.