Man missing since August found dead near Elyria’s Black River State Reservation, police say

ELYRIA, Ohio (WOIO) - Elyria police confirmed a body was found in a wooded area near the Black River State Reservation early Thursday evening.

Officers were called to the scene after the body was discovered by the 1100 block of Ford Road at 5:24 p.m. on Feb. 8, according to Elyria Police Investigation Division Lt. Bill Lantz.

Lantz said officers assessed the scene and secured the area upon arrival.

Detectives were then sent to the location with the Lorain County Coroner’s Office to investigate the circumstances of the death, said Lantz.

Lorain County Coroner Frank Miller identified the victim Saturday morning as Walter Moody Jr.

Moody went missing Aug. 27, 2023.

“As the investigation progresses, the Elyria Police Department will continue to provide updates and release additional details as they become available,” Lantz stated.