Human Bones Found Inside Kentucky Self-Storage Unit Identified as Woman Missing Since 1997

Authorities have identified human remains found inside an auctioned self-storage unit at Pier Rentals & Storage in Corbin, Ky., as those of Doris Anne Wood, a Delaware woman who vanished in 1997. Wood's husband, Robert A. Wood, reportedly rented the unit until he died in May. He was questioned by authorities about his wifes disappearance 16 years ago but was never arrested or named as a suspect.

Investigators used the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System to match dental records and identify the remains.

The bones were discovered last week by Steven Terry and his father after he purchased the contents of the unit at a Pier Rentals lien auction. Terry said he was sorting through items when he saw what looked like a jawbone and ribs inside a rolled-up yellow bag. The men notified the self-storage facility manager who then called police. The bones were first verified as human by a local coroner.

Doris Anne Wood was 42 when she disappeared on July 28, 1997. She was supposed to visit her sisters home but never arrived, according to police in New Castle County, Del. Woods husband reportedly had family in Kentucky. Were following an active lead [for a] missing-person case out of Delaware from 1997, said Corbin detective Rusty Hedrick.

Medical examiners in both states worked together to positively identify the remains. That would be great if a family could get closure from this, Terry said.