'Significantly decomposed' homicide victim found in Texas is identified

BEAUMONT, Texas (TCD) -- Police have identified a homeless homicide victim whose remains were found in a wooded area last weekend.

According to a news release from the Beaumont Police Department, on Sunday, Oct. 29, at approximately 6:46 p.m., officers responded to the area of Avenue C and Crockett Street to a report of a deceased person. Once there, officers found a "significantly decomposed" homicide victim.

To help identify the victim, detectives unveiled descriptions and sketches of the victim’s tattoos. As a result, police identified the victim as 65-year-old Johnny Tomlinson.

According to KFDM-TV, Tomlinson’s remains were discovered near a gas station and where he had been camping. Some of his belongings, including a bike and backpack, are reportedly missing.

A friend of Tomlinson told KFDM that the victim had difficulty moving and faced physical challenges. Friends have reportedly said that Tomlinson was a gentle, courteous, and soft-spoken man.

Detectives have asked anyone with information regarding Tomlinson’s whereabouts from Oct. 15 on to contact police.

MORE:

• BPD Detectives release name of homicide victim - Beaumont Police Department
• Remembering Johnny Tomlinson: Friends mourn homeless homicide victim while police search for killer - KFDM