Identity Confirmation
Justin Plaggemeyer, a 42-year-old resident of Spearfish, had been missing since January 2021.
Skeletal remains discovered in December were confirmed to be Justin Plaggemeyer through DNA testing.
Discovery and Reporting
The skeletal remains were found outside Spearfish and reported on December 10, 2023, by Justin Plaggemeyer’s family.
They, in turn, informed local authorities.
Response and Investigation
The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and Lawrence County Coroner’s Office responded to the call.
They are actively involved in the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Justin Plaggemeyer’s death.
Additional Investigation
Due to the nature of the case, the San Diego police homicide unit is involved in the investigation.
There is a related investigation in San Diego involving the discovery of a body, potentially belonging to Mary Margaret Haxby-Jones, found in a freezer last month.
Details on Mary Margaret Haxby-Jones
Mary Margaret Haxby-Jones, an 81-year-old former nurse anesthetist in San Diego, had either gone missing or passed away, possibly for nine years.
She resigned in 1999 and was found in a freezer at a residence where she had lived before.
Official Treatment and Appeal for Information
Despite no missing person’s report being filed for Mary Margaret Haxby-Jones, authorities treat her case as a suspicious death.
Authorities encourage anyone with information to come forward.
There is a specific appeal for individuals who knew Mary Margaret Haxby-Jones to assist in the ongoing investigation.