Police identified the remains as Matthew Edward Madewell, 40, after they were discovered in October 2025
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Human remains found in a plastic bag behind a strip mall have now been identified
The remains of Matthew Edward Madewell were identified on Friday, March 13
Madewell would have been 40 years old
Human remains found discarded in a plastic bag behind a strip mall were identified as a missing 40-year-old man last seen two years ago.
On Friday, March 13, the remains of Matthew Edward Madewell were identified, local outlet WSMV reported, citing the Metro Nashville Police Department. The bag of remains was discovered in a wooded area behind a strip mall on Murfreesboro Pike in Murfreesboro, Tenn., per the outlet. Madewell would have been 40.
“Madewell was last seen in late 2024 and may have been living in the area of Trinity Lane,“ a spokesperson for MNPD told WSMV. ”He may also have been employed with a construction company building hotels in the downtown area.”
The remains were located on Oct. 10, 2025, WTVF reported, citing police.
After receiving a tip, a local police officer was able to use DNA testing to identify Madewell's remains, according to local outlet WZTV.
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The circumstances surrounding Madewell's disappearance and death remain under investigation. PEOPLE has reached out to MNPD and the Murfreesboro Police Department, who MNPD said is also handling the case, for further information.
Anyone with information about Madewell’s last known whereabouts is asked to contact Cold Case detectives at 615-862-7329.
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