Hunters find decomposing body in woods

Maryland State Police are trying to figure out how a man died after his body was found in a wooded area two days ago.

 

The body was found on November 24, and has only been tentatively identified as Lewis Joy, 37, of Flintstone, however, forensic tests are still ongoing into the body's identity. 

 

The cause and manner of death have not yet been determined. 

 

At about 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, hunters in a remote area near Oldtown found the decomposing remains lying on the ground. The remains were taken to the Medical Examiner for an autopsy and identification. 

 

Police say the body appeared to have had internal injuries, but it remains unclear how those injuries were sustained. 

 

The body was clothed in underwear, jeans and brown boots. Investigators found a hooded sweatshirt tied between two trees about 28 feet from the ground, near where the body was found. 

 

On October 22, Lewis Joy was reported missing. Troopers then learned that Joy had not been seen since October 13 and that he had two outstanding warrants for his arrest in Allegany County and he had told at least one friend that he would not go back to jail. 

 

Police also learned that on October 16, a vehicle being used by Joy was found abandoned in the woods at a gun club on Cresap Mill Road. Searches for Joy at that time proved unsuccessful. 

 

The body was found not far from where the truck was located.