PCSO Confirms Human Remains As Arnold “Chigger” Vaughn Jr.

The human remains found last week at Anderson Road in Monterey have been identified as Arnold “Chigger” Vaughn Jr.

Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris said the identity was confirmed by the state medical examiner office on Tuesday.

“The human remains that we found on April the 13th up near the Anderson Road area in Monterey was in fact those of Arnold “Chigger” Vaughn Jr., who we strongly believed that it certainly could have been from the very beginning,” Farris said.

The 57-year-old man went missing on July 27th of last year. Farris said evidence suggests that Vaughn died around that same time period.

“It certainly appears that it was around that area that in fact probably had been deceased that long based on the remains and the findings,” Farris said. “We are approaching 10 months now. It certainly has been a long time.”

Farris said Vaughn’s body was found laying on top of the ground in an overgrown area near his residence. The remains were mostly bones with some clothing items.

“It was in a grown up area of weeds and brush and those kind of things,” Farris said. “It was also on or near a walking trail, as well. So, probably approximately a half a mile from Mr. Vaughn’s residence. He was known to walk, so he was certainly familiar with that area.”

Farris said the investigation is ongoing and is being worked as a crime. Farris said the cause of death and any further evidence is being withheld at this time.

“Certainly, our thoughts and condolences and prayers goes out to the family,” Farris said. “It’s a very difficult time, and it’s been difficult for that family since July of last year. Not just his family, but he was known to the area up there and had several friends. We certainly don’t want to forget the good people up there.”