Human remains found in Sharp County identified as missing Cave City man

Human remains discovered in a wooded area near Cougar Road last month have been identified as those of a Cave City man who was reported missing in 2024, authorities said.

Lieutenant Cham Buchanan of the Sharp County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene on March 19 after receiving a report of human remains located near a residence in Sulphur Rock. The remains were found uphill from a creek bed connected to Caney Creek.

A skull and what appeared to be a vertebra were initially recovered and sent to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for analysis. Further searches of the area, including those involving a human remains detection K9, led to the discovery of additional remains.

On April 8, the State Crime Lab confirmed through DNA analysis that the remains belonged to Johnny Ray Bagwell, who was reported missing to the Cave City Police Department by family members in June 2024. Relatives told authorities they had not seen or heard from Bagwell since July 2023.

Officials said the cause and manner of Bagwell’s death remain undetermined due to limited information and the circumstances of his disappearance. The case remains an open and active investigation.

The Sharp County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information related to Bagwell’s disappearance or death to come forward, stating that public assistance could be vital in helping bring clarity to the case.

In a statement, the Bagwell family said, “We are saddened to find out that our dad, Johnny (Tiger) Bagwell has died. We appreciate everyone that helped spread the word about his disappearance and the work of local and state authorities as they continue to investigate his death. Please do not contact the family and respect their privacy during this time. Thank you all for your kind words and prayers.”