Human remains found over a decade ago in Thurston County identified

Aug 29, 2025, 6:00 PM

Human remains found in Thurston County in 2009 were confirmed to belong to Donald Myrel Nelson. (Photo courtesy of the Thurston County Sheriff's Office)

(Photo courtesy of the Thurston County Sheriff's Office)

BY JULIA DALLAS

MyNorthwest Content Editor

Human remains that were found in 2009 in Thurston County have been identified.

On August 27, DNA technology confirmed the remains belonged to Donald Myrel Nelson, according to a news release from the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO).

The remains were discovered in a field near Meadows Elementary School in Lacey on April 30, 2009.

Man reported missing in Thurston County in 1989

Nelson was reported missing to the Lacey Police Department in February 1989, just before his 29th birthday.

Nelson’s family has been notified, law enforcement noted.

TCSO’s Cold Case Unit worked with the Thurston County Coroner’s Office, the King County Medical Examiner’s Office, the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification’s Missing Persons Unit, Othram, and the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab to properly identify the remains.

Authorities are asking anyone with information about Nelson’s disappearance to contact investigators at TCSOColdCase@co.thurston.wa.us and reference case number 09-002677.

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