Idaho deputies find remains believed to be 2010 missing man

LEWISTON, Idaho (AP) — Officers believe a portion of a human skull and other skeletal remains recently recovered belong to a man who went missing a decade ago, deputies said.

Idaho County sheriff's deputies suspect the remains are those of then 39-year-old Todd W. Hofflander of Lucile, who went missing in September 2010 while hiking with his dog, the Lewiston Tribune reported.

One of Hofflander's last known locations was near the mouth of Bernard Creek, about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from where a hunter found the remains Sunday along with a pack containing camping equipment and a digital camera, deputies said.

“Everything found at the scene indicates these are the remains of Mr. Hofflander, however further testing will be done,” the department said in a statement.

Hofflander was hiking southwest of Riggins when he went missing. His dog was found at the time on the opposite slope from where Hofflander was last seen.

Idaho County Coroner Cody Funke is expected to send the bones to the Ada County coroner's office for evaluation and DNA testing.

Hofflander's family has been notified.