Person of interest named in missing persons, human remains case

WHEELING, W.Va. — Reports indicate there’s now a person of interest in connection with the disappearances of two Wheeling area residents whose remains may have been found in Raleigh County.

According to authorities, Gerald Wayne Jako, 33, is wanted for various crimes in Wheeling and nearby Bellaire, Ohio. Jako is not charged in the disappearances of Trevor Vossen or Lauren Jenkins but police want to speak with him.

At a news conference Friday, Raleigh County deputies said there could be a connection with bodies found in the Sullivan area on Aug. 15. Northern panhandle authorities said the bodies were dismembered and badly burned. Jenkins was five months pregnant.

Raleigh County deputies said they hoped to get key information from the state Medical’s Office soon that would help in the investigation.





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