Livonia police have confirmed the identity of a body found last week in a creek near Hines Drive is a Westland man with dementia who went missing in 2024.
Police found “severely decomposed” remains partially submerged in the creek last Saturday evening, wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, dark pants and black shoes. The initial description of the clothing was similar to what James Sanford, 75, was reported last seen wearing when he went missing in April 2024.
His body was found less than two miles from his home in the 37000 block of Westwood Circle near Joy and Newburgh roads.
Sanford was not seen again after he left his residence two years ago until he was found last week.
The police department said in a news release that the Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office identified his body through medical records.
Sanford’s cause of death remains under investigation, police said.
jcardi@detroitnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Body found in Livonia creek was man missing since 2024, police say
Reporting by Julia Cardi, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
