MURFREESBORO, TENNESSEE — Human remains discovered inside a plastic bag in a wooded area behind a strip mall have been identified as a man who had been missing for nearly two years, authorities confirmed.
The Metro Nashville Police Department announced that the remains were identified on March 13 as Matthew Edward Madewell, who would have been 40 years old.
Remains Found Behind Murfreesboro Pike Strip Mall
According to local reports, the remains were originally discovered on Oct. 10, 2025, in a wooded area behind a strip mall along Murfreesboro Pike in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Police said the remains had been placed inside a plastic bag and left in the area.
Investigators later received a tip that helped move the case forward.
Identification Through DNA Testing
Authorities confirmed that a police officer was able to use DNA testing to positively identify the remains as Madewell.
According to police, Madewell was last seen in late 2024 and may have been living in the Trinity Lane area at the time of his disappearance.
Officials also indicated that he may have been working for a construction company building hotels in the downtown Nashville area.
Investigation Ongoing
The circumstances surrounding Madewell’s disappearance and death remain under investigation.
The Metro Nashville Police Department stated that the Murfreesboro Police Department is also assisting in handling the case.
Authorities have not released details regarding:
- The cause of death
- How long the remains had been in the wooded area
- Whether foul play is suspected
Investigators continue working to piece together Madewell’s final movements before he went missing.
Public Asked for Information
Police are urging anyone with information about Madewell’s last known whereabouts to contact Cold Case detectives at 615-862-7329.
Officials emphasized that even small details could be helpful in advancing the investigation.
Conclusion
The identification of Matthew Edward Madewell brings clarity to a case that began with the discovery of human remains behind a Murfreesboro strip mall.
However, many questions remain about what happened in the months leading up to his disappearance and death.
