Police Seek Public's Help as They Continue to Investigate Remains Found Near Wheaton in 2010

WHEATON, IL - The DuPage County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help as they continue to investigate the remains of a man found in the Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in unincorporated Wheaton in April 2010.

Police on Wednesday said they determined the man's name is Manuel Romero and are asking anyone who was familiar with Romero, or had contact with him, to contact police. It is unclear how police determined the man's name.

Police also released a composite photo Wednesday of the man, which is a digital facial reconstruction photo completed by the FACES Lab at Louisiana State University, according to a news release.

The victim is believed to be between the ages of 45 65 years old and is either Hispanic or Native American, police said. He was missing numerous teeth, including his two front upper teeth, prior to his death. The man was wearing a grey Hanes-brand extra-large sweatshirt at the time of his death with the words "Little Nicky" on the front.

The remains were severely decomposed when they were found on April 13, 2010, and police beleve the man died between 2007 and 2009, the Daily Herald reports. The cause of his death remains under investigation.

Anyone with information should contact the sheriff's office at 630-407-2333.