KIANTONE - Preliminary results of an autopsy performed Saturday positively identify the body found off of Riverside Road in Kiantone as that of Michael Whitehill.
The 48-year-old Whitehill, a Jamestown resident, went missing Jan. 22. His car was found later that night on Riverside Road after a caller notified New York State Police of a green Pontiac Firebird abandoned on the side of the road. The vehicle was found to have damage to its hood and driver's side as if it had struck another vehicle or object.
Whitehill's body was discovered Friday after a ground-and-air search of the area off Riverside Road.
"We had three detectives on the ground and several in the helicopter," said Capt. Robert Samuelson of the Jamestown Police Department. "The wind and weather made an air search difficult last week and the county helicopter wasn't available so we had to wait for the New York State Police."
According to examiners at Erie County Medical Center, further investigation of the body and an autopsy revealed no signs of trauma or foul play to indicate a possible criminal act. Results of a toxicology report will not be available for several weeks.
"We still have a missing person case, we were just concerned that something else may have been involved," Samuelson said. "The toxicology report will show what may have been in his system. They usually take six to eight weeks."
The investigation is continuing and police officials are asking anyone with information regarding this case or who may have been in contact with Whitehill on the night he went missing to call the Jamestown Police Department at 483-7351. Confidential tips can also be left on the TIPS line at 483-8477.
