May 9, 2007 By Josh Krysak 2 min read

After eight months of investigation, the badly decomposed remains of a man discovered in Dunbar Township last September have been identified. According to Fayette County Deputy Coroner Jessie Langer, forensic analysis of the skeleton by Dr. Dennis Dirkmaat, the director of the Applied Forensic Sciences Program at Mercyhurst College in Erie, revealed Robert John Strzelezki, 63, died from natural causes.

The Vietnam veteran was believed to be living in the woods outside of Connellsville, near where the skeleton was discovered, Langer said.

Police said that Strzelezki did have an alias and was also known as Richard David Miller.

Police said they believe Strzelezki is a native of New Jersey but investigators have been unable to locate any family members.

The state police scoured a wooded area off of Connellsville Street for several days in mid-September after in search of additional clues regarding the skeletal remains discovered by a hiker.

Troopers Jerome Venick and James Custer said that the body was found clothed in trousers and a jacket when it was discovered.

Investigators found a wallet at the site with Strzelezki’s Social Security card, but officials could not confirm his identity until further tests were conducted.

Dirkmaat concluded in a written report that Strzelezki died of natural causes and had been dead for one to five years when his body was discovered, Langer said.

Dirkmaat has worked a handful of local cases over the years, including two Fayette County homicide cases that involved burned remains.

Deputy Coroner Marisa Springer said anyone with information regarding potential family members for Strzelezki can call the coroner’s office.