The remains of a Capitol Heights man missing for nearly three years were found in a Prince George’s County park, and police are investigating the death as a homicide.
Police said the remains of Anthony J. Nelson were found on March 5 in a wooded area of the Marlton Community Park, located on the 8000 block of Croom Road.
A medical examiner confirmed his identity this month, according to Maryland-National Capital Park Police. The death was ruled a homicide, said Cpl. Erica Johnson, a Prince George’s County police spokeswoman. She said she didn’t know how Nelson was killed or how long the remains had been in the park before they were found.
Nelson was reported missing on Aug. 16, 2008. He was 28 at the time. He was last seen leaving his home on the 6900 block of Aquamarine Court to visit friends at about 6 p.m.
He never returned. At about 11 p.m. that night, two gunman entered the home and restrained his mother, aunt and half-brother with duct tape. His family has speculated that the disappearance and invasion were related. Johnson said Friday that the slaying and home invasion are both still under investigation and it’s not clear whether they are linked.
No suspects have been identified in Nelson’s death, police said.
