BONES recovered from an American woodland have been identified as a man from Kirkintilloch, following a significant 10-month investigation.
US investigators say they have identified human remains found in a remote area of Wyoming in September last year, to that of John Gillies, originally from the East Dunbartonshire town.
Skeletal remains were found at Sweetwater Gap on September 6, prompting an intensive investigation bringing together Interpol, Police Scotland and even a church in Kirkintilloch.
Following the initial discovery, a 14-member search team searched approximately 20 miles of rugged terrain in the hope of finding clues that could aid the investigation.
Meanwhile, the bones were analysed and it was found that 85% of John's skeletal remains were recovered and that they had been in the location for approximately six years.
Due to the time between his death and the discovery of the remains, Sublette County Sheriff's Office say it is unclear what the cause of death was.
In addition, they said they don't "have any new information as to why he was in Sublette County."
Personal effects near the remains were found, which led investigators to get in touch with John's ex-wife, who was able to share details about his medical history.
Following this, Saint Mary's Church in Kirkintilloch became part of the international investigation when they were approached to help track down the family of John, who would have been 69 years-old, this year.
Through Interpol, the Scotland Police, and the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement (SCD) International Bureau, arrangements were made to obtain DNA reference samples from John's relatives.
A forensic anthropology report was then completed in December and both samples were sent to a criminal laboratory.
On June 30, it was confirmed that the samples taken from the bones led to a positive identification of John Gillies.
Later that same day, investigators contacted his family to notify them that their loved one had been positively identified after nearly a year of investigation.
At the their request, the Sublette County Sheriff's Office and the Sublette County Coroner's Office are now working with Interpol to coordinate the return of John's remains to Scotland so he may finally be laid to rest at home.
Sheriff K.C. Lehr said: "This case is a testament to the dedication of everyone involved and the strength of partnerships that extend well beyond our county and even our nation's borders.
"What began as the discovery of unidentified remains in a remote area of Wyoming ultimately brought together local, state, federal, and international partners with one shared goal—to give a family answers. We are grateful to everyone who played a role in helping bring John home."
