CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Human remains discovered behind a home on Banbury Street have been identified as 66-year-old Ben Franklin Staton, Charlottesville Police confirmed. Officers responded to the 2200 block of Banbury Street on September 21, 2024, after a resident reported finding skeletal remains in a ravine.

With the assistance of the Charlottesville Fire Department, the remains were recovered and transported to the Office of the Medical Examiner.

An examination conducted on September 23, 2024, confirmed the identity of Mr. Staton. His next of kin has been notified.

Authorities reported no signs of trauma, though a cause of death could not be determined. Mr. Staton had last been in contact with others on September 13, 2024, and was believed to have recently become unhoused.

The investigation is ongoing, but police currently have no evidence of foul play.

Anyone with information or recent contact with Mr. Staton is asked to contact CrimeStoppers at 434-977-4000.