Skeletal Remains Discovered in Eastern Manatee May Belong to Missing 87-Year-Old Ellenton Man
MANATEE COUNTY — The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the discovery of skeletal remains found Thursday in a remote area of eastern Manatee County, believed to be connected to a missing person case dating back to December 2024.
Authorities say the remains may belong to 87-year-old Paul Sargent, who was last seen on December 10 leaving his residence on 31st Court East in Ellenton. Sargent was presumed to be headed to the Ola Mae Sims Dog Park with his white Bichon Frise, Sassy.
Search efforts had intensified after Sargent’s vehicle was located last week on farmland in a secluded area. On Thursday, deputies uncovered skeletal remains alongside the apparent remains of a small dog just feet away.
The District 12 Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting DNA analysis to officially confirm the identity of the human remains.
Investigators have not yet indicated whether foul play is suspected. The investigation remains active as authorities continue working to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
