INDIANAPOLIS, IN – On the evening of September 11, local law enforcement received a tip about a charred, deserted vehicle in a secluded forested area on the southeast side of Indianapolis. After an hour-long search, officers located the vehicle shortly after midnight.
Upon further investigation, the remains of an adult male were discovered inside the vehicle. Indiana State Police Sgt. John Perrine confirmed the findings. The deceased was identified as 58-year-old Patrick Stern from Noblesville, who had been reported missing since March 2.
Authorities believe the remains found in the vehicle belong to Stern. “The man and his vehicle had been reported missing for several weeks,” Perrine explained. The initial investigation was conducted by the Noblesville Police Department, but as the search area expanded to Indianapolis, the Indiana State Police took over the investigation.
The Marion County Coroner’s Office suspects the vehicle was set ablaze sometime in March. Stern’s remains have been transported to the Forensic Anthropology Lab at the University of Indianapolis for further examination.
Investigators are awaiting DNA test results to confirm the identity of the remains. Stern’s identification was aided by the burned Cadillac Escalade he was found in, which was confirmed to be his vehicle.
The investigation is now focused on identifying potential suspects.“We received all the information from the family about maybe who he was with, where he was going, and now with the discovery of the vehicle and the remains,” Perrine said.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Indiana State Police or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 317-262-8477 (TIPS).