Leigh Hobart Abel Jr., a World War II veteran, vanished after spending his 78th birthday fishing at Canaveral National Seashore Park in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, on December 20, 2001. His 1999 GMC Suburban was recovered in Boca Raton, Florida, approximately 190 miles south of where Leigh disappeared, about a year later.

On February 11, 2012, human remains were discovered in a heavily wooded area near McCullough Creek in St. Johns County, Florida. Items found with the remains included clothing matching what Leigh was wearing the day he disappeared and a GMC ignition key that matched his vehicle, which led to a presumptive identification. DNA testing later confirmed that the remains, found approximately 90 miles north of where he was last seen, was Leigh Abel Jr.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office at (904) 824-8304. To remain anonymous and receive a possible reward, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS or dial **TIPS from your mobile device.

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