Skeletal Remains in Ellsworth Identified as Missing Sullivan Man

Maine State Police have confirmed that skeletal remains found in Ellsworth recently are a Sullivan man who's been missing for nearly 2 years.

Where Was He Found?

The human remains were found on Tuesday morning, November 14th, 2023. Commercial land surveyors made the discovery in the woods off the Red Bridge Road in Ellsworth and notified Ellsworth Police. Also responding to the scene was the Maine State Police's Major Crimes Unit North, who assisted in the investigation while the remains were sent to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta for an autopsy.

Who is the Deceased?

Maine State Police confirmed on Tuesday, November 21st, 2023 that the remains are Anson Snowdeal, a Sullivan man who had been missing since February 2022. When he was last seen, Snowdeal left his mother's apartment on Water Street in Ellsworth on foot, leaving behind his wallet and cell phone. Several searches were launched but they were complicated by the fact that Snowdeal has a twin brother, prompting numerous mistaken reports of sightings.

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What Do We Know About the Days Prior to His Disappearance?

At the time of his disappearance, Anson was the subject of an active investigation into a business deal from 2021. The details of that investigation were not released but Ellsworth Police said they had been trying to get in touch with him prior to his disappearance. Maine Department of Public Safety spokesperson Shannon Moss says a Maine State Police-led investigation indicated that Mr. Snowdeal disappeared voluntarily and appeared to be avoiding efforts to be located.

The cause and manner of death are pending but the autopsy and police investigation does not support that Mr. Snowdeal's death was the result of criminal conduct.

We'll update this story as more details become available.

Our condolences to Anson's wife and family.