LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — Editor's note: The above video is from Feb. 2024.
State Police and the Lancaster County District Attorney's Office announced Thursday that the human remains recovered alongside the Pennsylvania Turnpike in 1992 have been identified as those of Derek Michael Mason, of Philadelphia.
Authorities are investigating Mason's death as a homicide.
The remains, which were dumped in a wooded area alongside the Turnpike in Clay Township, were identified as Mason's in December 2023, the DA's Office said. They were identified through the use of Forensic Genetic Genealogy. Bone samples were sent to Othram Labs in Texas to have advanced DNA testing completed.
Once the testing was completed, genealogical research conducted by a PSP Analyst identified potential family members, the DA's Office said. Through interviews with family members and additional DNA testing the remains were positively identified as belonging to Mason, who was determined to be a victim of homicide.
Mason was last seen leaving his residence in the 500 block of South 39th Street in West Philadelphia in October 1991. He was known in the area by the names "Hawkeye" and "Hawk."
Anyone with information regarding Mason's homicide is asked to contact Trooper Brian McNally, PSP Lancaster, at 717-290-1967.
PSP Tips is offering a $2,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest in this case.
Tipsters can also anonymously share the information online.