Skeletal remains discovered near SR 167 last week have been identified as those of Larry Martinez, an 81-year-old Kent man who had been missing since June 2022, Kent Police said Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025.
Martinez, who was experiencing symptoms of dementia when he disappeared, was last seen after walking away from a downtown business on June 8, 2022.
Family members, volunteers, and Kent Police conducted extensive searches and media campaigns in the years following his disappearance.
On Aug. 18, 2025, Kent officers and Washington State Patrol responded after remains were found north of the James Street overpass along SR 167. The King County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the identity as Martinez and determined that foul play was not suspected.
“While this is not the outcome any of us wanted, we are hopeful that locating Mr. Martinez’s remains will bring some closure to his family and friends,” Kent Police said in a statement.
