Investigators believe remains are those of missing man

Almost two years have passed since the Radabaughs have seen their son, Johnny. He has the mental capacity of a child and would turn 51 this year.  John Radabaugh, Johnny’s father, told FOX 35’s David Williams, "It’s been hard, at times. Christmas time and stuff, you know? You miss him."

They’ve missed him dearly since he vanished in February 2014. A massive search effort was launched, to try and find him. The investigation into his disappearance, active since day one.  Then, in November of last year, there was a dark discovery. Human bones were found.

Lieutenant Ryan Robbins with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office told FOX 35, "We have received some preliminary information, from FDLE, indicating that it is probable that the recent bones found in the Ocala National Forest could be Johnny Radabaugh's."  John Radabaugh said, "It ain’t the outcome I wanted. I was hoping to find him alive."

Thick woods surround the Radabaugh’s home. Jonny’s father told FOX 35 those remains were found just seven miles from their house.  The Marion County Sheriff’s tells FOX 35 they don’t yet have final confirmation, and stress this is preliminary, but they’ve told the Radabaugh’s the information. They are awaiting the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s final forensic lab report.

Lt. Robbins said, "We are definitely hoping that we can identify that this is him and confirm that, so that family has that closure they need."

John Radabaugh explained,  "I was hoping it would be different. But, I don’t know yet."

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office said those FDLE forensic test results could be back in about 2 weeks.