By Staff
NILES - The body in the 1983 Renault LeCar that was found in the St. Joseph river Monday has been positively identified as that of Thomas Edward Burns of Stevensville, Niles City Police said Wednesday.
Burns has been missing since March 1989.
His remains were found in his car, which was discovered by two fishermen from Dowagiac Monday, and transported to Spectrum Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids for identification.
Burns' identity was confirmed using dental records.
Capt. James Merriman of the Niles City Police Department said police will now search through a three-inch file of reports of the events that happened the night Burns disappeared and verify those reports.
Burns' family issued a statement thanking the Niles City Police and Fire Departments for their assistance in recovering the body.