Scottsbluff Police say a human bone discovered in the North Platte River between Minatare and Melbeta two years ago has been confirmed to be remains of a man missing since 2016.
Detective Brandi Brunz says last week, the department received confirmation that the DNA profiles of the bone were a match for Walter Eugene Patterson-Black.
Brunz issued the following statement today:
“Walter Eugene Patterson-Black was reported missing on May 17, 2016. Mr. Patterson-Black was last seen on May 12, 2016 at a local convenience store. Local agencies have continued their search in the years since his disappearance and have searched on foot, by air, and by cadaver dogs from varying agencies.
“In October 2021 a bone, that was confirmed to be human, was found near the North Platte River between Melbeta and Minatare. A piece of clothing found with the bone resembled the shirt Mr. Patterson-Black was last observed wearing. The bone was sent for DNA comparison to items belonging to Mr. Patterson-Black that were collected during the initial investigation.
“On September 14, 2023 the Scottsbluff Police Department received confirmation that the DNA profiles of the bone and Mr. Patterson-Black were a match.
“On behalf of the Scottsbluff Police Department, our hopes are the family may now have some closure and peace knowing Gene has been located. The Scottsbluff Police Department would like to thank the following agencies and groups that assisted in our investigation; the Scottsbluff Fire Department, Scottsbluff County CERT, Airlink, Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office, Goshen County Search and Rescue, and Kris Brock and the Tri-State K-9’s.“
