Person of interest named in death of 23-year-old

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Now that remains found in a wooded area off of Myland Avenue have been identifed as those of 23-year-old Joshua Duncan, investigators are searching for more answers.

About a month ago, Corporal Chris Levy with Mobile Police Department said police received a call Monday, October 24, that bones had been discovered in a wooded area at the dead end of Myland Avenue. The Public Works Department was clearing the area. When officers arrived, they found bones that they believed to be human.

"It's a pile of debris where they noticed the bones. It's going to be a while, and they are going to gather as much as they can, but we're definitely not looking at an entire skeleton. It's definitely, at this point, some miscellaneous bones,” said Levy.

The DNA results of the remains identited them as those of 23-year-old Joshua Duncan, and investigators identified Dennis Hicks as a person of interest in Duncan's death.

Investigators said Hicks is a person of interest for two reasons. He was the last person seen with Duncan, and he has a criminal history.

Hicks served 25 years for a double homicide in Wayne County, Mississippi. The crime happened in the late 70s, and investigators said Hicks moved to Mobile about five years ago.

"The fact that he was the last person known to be seen with Joshua when he was reported missing, combined with his history, is a great concern to law enforcement and his family," said Lt. Paul Burch.

According to law enforcement, Hicks said he was with the victim the day he disappeared, but Duncan left for a walk after the two had an argument.

Joshua Duncan was reported missing by his grandmother on September 6. Six days later, Dennis Hicks, the last person seen with Duncan, was arrested for theft in Mobile. Authorites said the theft arrest is linked to the Duncan family but didn't give further comment.

On October 24, human remains were found in a wooded area in West Mobile. DNA results identified the remains as Joshua Duncan on November 28.

This is where authorities need your help.

"What we are seeking is any help or information from the public who may have seen those two together or have information that may be helpful to the case," said Burch.

If you remember seeing the two together, call Mobile County Sheriff's Office at 251-574-8633.