RICHLAND COUNTY, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—On December 7, 2025, at approximately 1:25 p.m.., the Richland County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting the possible discovery of human skeletal remains in a detached garage at an abandoned residence located on Crestline Bloominggrove Road.
Uniformed deputies quickly responded to the scene and confirmed that the skeletal remains were consistent with human remains. The area was secured, and the Richland County Coroner’s Office was promptly notified.
The following day, December 8, investigators from the Richland County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Division, along with officials from the Richland County Coroner’s Office, the Mercyhurst University’s Forensic Anthropology Team, and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation & Identification Crime Scene Unit, arrived to process the crime scene. The skeletal remains were carefully collected by the Mercyhurst team for identification purposes.
During the investigation, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office contacted the Richland County Sheriff’s Office regarding an active missing persons case, providing a potential identity for the remains. Dustin R. Engler, a 43-year-old resident of Galion, Ohio, had been reported missing since February 2023. Using dental records, a forensic odontologist from Mercyhurst University confirmed the identity of the deceased. The cause of death remains undetermined as the investigation is ongoing.
The Richland County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that the next of kin of the deceased have been notified prior to this announcement. The Richland County Sheriff’s Office continues to collaborate with the Richland County Coroner’s Office and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office as this investigation unfolds.
Authorities encourage anyone with information regarding the case to contact the Richland County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit tipline at 419-774-5610.