The partially decayed remains found on Oct. 10 in a wooded area northeast of Highway 83 and County Road 12 have been identified as Shane Zephier, 23, of Minneapolis.

Zephier was arrested Aug. 27 by the Lake Crystal Police Department and taken to the Blue Earth County Jail on charge of shoplifting from a local convenience store. The Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office said he was last seen walking away from the jail around 3 p.m. after his release that same day.

Zephier’s cause of death remains under investigation. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office are assisting in the investigation.

Zephier was wearing gray sweatpants, a gray sweatshirt and black shoes when he was released from the jail which is near where his body was found.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office at 507-304-4863.

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