The human remains that were found in a Texas wastewater lift station in late June were identified as those of college student Caleb Harris who went missing more than four months ago.
The 21-year-old Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi student went missing in early March outside of his apartment.
He was last seen by one of his roommates in the early hours of March 4 when Harris said he was ordering “snacks” from UberEats at about 2:20 a.m. Later that morning, his roommates found the UberEats order untouched outside of the apartment door. Harris’ wallet and keys were still in the apartment, but he was not there and his cell phone was missing.
His roommates reported him missing to police, setting off a massive search that lasted for months with local and state law enforcement and dozens of volunteers looking for the missing student.
In late June, the remains of an unidentified body were recovered from the wastewater lift station not far from Harris’ apartment.
Corpus Christi Police said at the time that the remains were transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Nueces County and later taken to the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification due to the advanced decomposition.
Corpus Christi Police confirmed in a July 17 statement that the DNA extracted from the remains matched those of the missing 21-year-old.
His family confirmed in a statement that the remains were identified as “our sweet Caleb” and expressed their thanks to those who offered “prayers and support during this tragic time.”
The family said while they grieved their loss, they were at peace knowing that Caleb was “with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
The cause of death has not been released and police are awaiting a final autopsy report from the Nueces County Medical Examiner.
Corpus Christi Police said the investigation into Harris’ disappearance and death remained open and asked that anyone with information contact the police department at 361-826-2840.
