A family-organized search in Eufaula, Alabama ended in horror when relatives discovered dismembered, burned human remains along White Oak Church Road, remains they say belong to 18-year-old Markavious Rumph Jr. Rumph had been reported missing on May 7 after he was last seen leaving a local gas station, and family members say they found the remains five days later during their own search. Police have since sealed off the area, and investigators from the State Bureau of Investigation and the Barbour County Sheriff’s Office are assisting Eufaula detectives.
Family Search Ends In A Terrifying Discovery
According to WTVM, the 12-person search party used ATVs, drones and a cadaver dog before volunteers came across the remains along White Oak Church Road. One searcher told the station that "they had dismembered this young man, set his body on fire," and relatives identified the victim as Markavious Rumph Jr. The discovery has left family members and neighbors demanding answers while investigators work the scene for any additional evidence.
Forensic Identification Could Take Time
WTVM reports that the Alabama state forensic lab has not yet been able to make a positive identification because of the condition of the remains. Eufaula police cautioned that investigators have to follow proper procedure, telling the station, "This is not NCIS or CSI on TV," and warning that DNA and other lab testing can take time. Officers say they are preserving every possible piece of evidence while the analysis moves forward.
Leads, Seized Evidence And A ‘Rock Solid’ Case
Local coverage by FOX10 notes that officers seized a black Tahoe two days after Rumph was reported missing and recovered a shovel with traces of blood. Both items have been sent to the lab for analysis. Eufaula police told FOX10 they have identified suspects but have not made any arrests, saying they want the case "rock solid" before seeking warrants. Investigators continue to search the wooded area and canvass the neighborhood for tips and additional evidence.
Grieving Family Seeks Answers And Public’s Help
National reporting from People describes the family’s anguish and relays their claim that relatives felt they did much of the searching on their own. The teen’s father told local outlets that the family believes someone they know may be involved, and a GoFundMe has been created to help with funeral and living expenses. Authorities are urging anyone with information to call investigators at 334-687-1200 and to avoid spreading unverified details while evidence is still being collected.
