FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. – Police in Nassau County said they believe they've found the body of young man who disappeared three years ago.
Investigators believe a killer lured 19-year-old Travis Pittman into a wooded area near Hilliard and shot him to death.
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Last week they arrested Michael Cleveland for murder, after police said he bragged to friends about killing Pittman.
Cleveland had returned to the area last week, checked into a hotel near Jacksonville International Airport, and was picked up by officers.
At about 11:30 a.m. Thursday, police found what they believe are Pittman's remains a mile into the woods off Hunt Club Road.
"It's a hunting club, and it's not a normal day-by-day place where people would walk or be able to visually see something," said Seagraves.
Cleveland allegedly lured Pittman into the wooded area before shooting him.
Police said Cleveland's arrest had nothing to do with the body's discovery because Cleveland refused to talk to them.
However, police said the condition of the remains could tell them a lot.
"The body wasn't buried. All of this occurred on top of the surface, which through time and implement of weather changes affects the deterioration of the body. We were able to find skeletal remains, as well as clothing," Seagraves said.
Pittman's dental records will be compared to the remains found in Nassau County to determine if the body found Thursday is indeed the missing 19-year-old.
Previous Stories:
- March 29, 2006: Man Charged With Murder In 2003 Missing Persons Case