Sharp County, AR – The Sharp County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that human remains discovered in a wooded area near Cougar Road in Sulphur Rock have been identified as Johnny Ray Bagwell, a man who had been missing since 2023. The case remains under active investigation.
The remains were initially found on March 19, 2025, when Lieutenant Cham Buchanan responded to a report of skeletal remains discovered uphill from a creek bed branching off Caney Creek, adjacent to a residence in the area. A skull and vertebra were collected and sent to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for forensic analysis.
Further searches of the area—assisted by a human remains detection K9—led to the recovery of additional remains.
On April 8, 2025, Lt. Buchanan received confirmation from the Arkansas State Crime Lab that DNA analysis positively identified the remains as belonging to Johnny Ray Bagwell. Bagwell had been reported missing to the Cave City Police Department by family members in June 2024, though they stated they had not seen or heard from him since July 2023.
At this time, the cause and manner of death remain undetermined, pending further information and investigation. Authorities are continuing to explore the circumstances surrounding Mr. Bagwell’s disappearance and death.
The Sharp County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information that may assist in the case to come forward. Even the smallest detail could be crucial in helping investigators piece together what happened.
Meanwhile, the family of Johnny Ray Bagwell is asking for privacy as they grieve. They are not currently accepting communications but express their heartfelt thanks for the support and compassion shown by the community during this difficult time.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Sharp County Sheriff’s Office directly.
