Skeletal remains identified as former Iolan’s

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August 20, 2011 - 12:00 AM

A nearly two-year mystery came to an end on a sad note Thursday for the family of former Iolan Brian Trester.
Authorities in Lyon County have positively identified the skeletal remains in a dried creek bed in rural Lyon County as Trester’s, a family member told the Register.
“We’ve got a little bit of closure, but now everybody is wondering what happened,” Trester’s sister Alicia told the Register in a telephone interview.
The remains, starting with a skull, were uncovered by Jim Kuhlmann of rural Olpe the afternoon of Aug. 11. Kuhlmann told the Emporia Gazette he had been hunting for arrowheads when he saw the skull on a gravel bar.
The skull was found about two miles downstream from where Trester’s abandoned truck was found in the early morning hours of Oct. 22, 2009, Alicia Trester said.
Kuhlmann notified the creek’s landowner, and then authorities, of his discovery. Upon reaching the site, authorities found more bones nearby, the Gazette reported.
The hot, dry weather had taken down the water level, exposing the bones to view.
Trester, who would now be 28, was last seen leaving his cousin’s home in rural Stockton in Lyon County. He was on his way to work in Olpe. Police said they had found Trester’s truck stuck in mud on the side of the road less than 90 minutes later.
Dental records were used to confirm Trester’s identity, Alicia Trester said. Sharon Trester, Brian’s mother, also provided a DNA swab, Alicia Trester said. The DNA results are pending.
Lyon County Sheriff Jeff Cope told the Register that the investigation into Trester’s death was continuing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Lyon County Sheriff’s Department at (620) 342-5545.

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