GULFPORT, MS (WLOX) -
Authorities are working to identify a set of human remains found while searching for a missing Gulfport man.
The Harrison County Sheriff's Office and the Gulf Coast Search and Rescue have been searching for 34-year-old Jay Lawrence Bond for several days. According to a deputy on scene, a body was found in the woods south of Coleman Road just before 11 am Sunday.
The Harrison County coroner says the remains are extremely decomposed and an autopsy is planned to determine the identity of victim and the cause of death. Investigators have not said if the body is that of the missing man.
A neighbor nearby told WLOX that his dog found a hat, and he contacted authorities. Investigators say that information led to the discovery of the body.
Authorities launched a search for Bond last week. Bond was reported missing on January 24 by his family. According to authorities, he had not been seen since early December. He was last seen near Coleman Road.
Deputies say the case is still under investigation.
As more details are released, we will have more on WLOX News and WLOX.com.
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