BRUNSWICK, Ga. – Human remains found Tuesday afternoon in Glynn County were positively identified as belonging to a 72-year-old Brunswick woman who disappeared in May, police said Friday.
Officers were called about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday after someone spotted the remains in a wooded area off Georgia Highway 32 near the Thalmann Community. They were found around mile marker 6, which is 6 miles north of Post Road, according to the Glynn County Police Department.
Police said they were able to tentatively identify the remains as Linda Mansfield by comparing the serial number of a pacemaker located with the remains to the medical records of Mansfield, who previously had a pacemaker implant. Detectives said both serial numbers matched.
On Friday, police said, a forensic dental examination was conducted and the Georgia Bureau of Investigations Crime Lab positively identified the remains as those of Mansfield, who was last seen the week of May 15 and was reported missing May 23.
Mansfield's son, John Rosevelt, has been charged with malice murder, felony murder and aggravated assault in her death. Rosevelt, 50, remains in the Glynn County Jail.
Loved ones told News4Jax the discovery of the remains has brought them peace and a sense of closure.
Neighbor Amanda Clark said her prayers have finally been answered.
"We had that fear that she would never be found," Clark said. "Then to have her found, in one way, it's awesome. But in the next, it's heartbreaking because it's horrible."
Clark said said it hasn't been easy knowing she can't drink coffee with her dear neighbor anymore.
"I miss my talks, and I miss her being able to watch my babies grow up. It hurts. I miss her every day," Clark said. "It's so uneasy for me. I miss her so much."
On Wednesday, Mansfield's other son told News4Jax by phone that the family is asking for privacy, but they're relieved her remains have been found and they want to give her a proper burial.
The investigation is ongoing, police said. Anyone with information is asked to call Investigator Jeff Williams at 912-554-7802 or Silent Witness at 912-264-1333.