Danny Federico
reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com
On Tuesday, April 1, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) announced that it is collaborating with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) and the Jasper Police Department (JPD) to investigate the suspicious death of 47-year-old Lance Michael Butler. His remains were recovered on Monday, March 31, in a remote area of eastern Hamilton County.
According to the announcement, Butler was reported missing from Jasper on Wednesday, March 26. He was last seen alive near Second Avenue in Jasper and may have also been in the Cypress Creek area. On Saturday, March 29, investigators found the abandoned vehicle that Butler had borrowed. His body was discovered on March 31, not far from the vehicle. The organizations have noted that foul play is suspected.
A joint homicide investigation has been launched, and the FDLE, HCSO and JPD are actively looking into the case. Individuals with any information regarding this incident are encouraged to contact the HCSO at (386) 792-1001 or the FDLE at (800) 226-5630. Further updates will be provided as they become available. The case remains active.