After human remains were found earlier in July in Ellsworth County, the Salina Police Department identified an inmate in the Saline County Jail as the murder suspected.
Authorities have requested first-degree murder charges along with aggravated arson, felony interference with law enforcement and criminal desecration against 48-year-old Joseph Benton Houseman. Houseman is currently in jail on unrelated charges.
Houseman is now a a suspect in the death of Nathan Phillip Thompson, who was identified last week through dental records. Thompson’s remains were found in a field in rural Ellsworth County on July 19th. The KBI also assisted with the investigation.
The autopsy was performed last Thursday and Thompson’s death was ruled a homicide. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information should contact the Salina Police Department at 785-826-7210, or Crime Stoppers at 785-825-TIPS.
