MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – Human remains discovered in August 2024 have been identified as those of Julius Tadarius Jones, a Meridian man who had been missing since 2011.
The remains were found on August 22, 2024, in an abandoned house located in the 2600 block of 23rd Avenue, at the intersection of 26th Street. The Meridian Police Department (MPD) was notified of the discovery and, along with Lauderdale County Coroner Stella McMahan, recovered the remains. They were subsequently sent to a crime lab for identification.
Jones, who was reported missing on August 16, 2011, had been the subject of an ongoing investigation for nearly 14 years. The identification of his remains marks a significant development in the case.
While the cause of death has not yet been determined, the remains have been sent for further examination. MPD is working to establish a timeline of Jones’ death, which could help determine whether he died in 2011, when he went missing, or at a later time.
At this point, the investigation has not been classified as a homicide, as MPD officials are awaiting additional results before making that determination.
The remains were discovered in an abandoned house, though authorities have not released any information regarding potential residents or other individuals associated with the property.
The Meridian Police Department has expressed gratitude to the community and the families of Jones for their assistance during the investigation. The case remains ongoing, and MPD continues to gather information in hopes of bringing closure to the case.
Image: The abandoned house on 23rd Avenue and 26th where the remains of Julius Tadarius Jones were found
