After more than 27 years, Volusia County detectives have identified human remains that were found in a wooded area of DeBary.
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office announced on Thursday, February 13, 2025, that the human remains belong to Ryan L. Stone. He was 22 years old when he was last seen by his family in 1994.
Stone’s skeletal remains were discovered by land surveyors on the morning of November 17, 1997, near the 600 block of Fort Florida Road in DeBary. In addition to bones, VCSO detectives recovered a red T-shirt, “Pipeline” shorts, socks, and a pair of LA Gear sneakers.
At the time, the medical examiner determined that the subject, later identified as Stone, had died one to three years prior to discovery.
“(Stone) was identified by Othram Labs, which has been working with the Volusia Sheriff’s Office and Medical Examiner’s Office to test DNA and identify victims in cold cases,” said VCSO on social media.
Othram began working on Stone’s case in February of 2024. By July of that year, the lab notified VCSO that through genetic genealogy, they had identified a man in Seminole County who was likely the father of the deceased.
A detective interviewed the father, who confirmed that he had not seen his son, Stone, in 30 years. A DNA sample was then collected from the father, confirming a match.
VCSO stated that there were no indications of foul play at the scene where Stone’s skeletal remains were found.
During an investigation, detectives determined that Stone had experienced a difficult breakup in 1993 or 1994, which led to him leaving his home to “take some time for himself,” according to VCSO.
“There were no indications of suicidal thoughts or substance abuse,” added the sheriff’s office. “His parents described him as a loving and caring person.”
If anyone has any information about Ryan L. Stone around the time of his death, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office asks that you call 386-245-1535 or contact Detective Teske via email at: [email protected].