Remains found in Lauderdale County have been identified as Robert Childers, a 51 year old who was reported missing in September 2016.
On March 21, 2026, authorities responded to the 5000 block of County Road 10 for possible human remains found in a wooded area behind a residence. They were taken to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences and positively identified through DNA as belonging to Robert Childers.
Officials said the manner of death has not yet been determined.
“After nearly a decade of uncertainty, this identification finally provides answers to a family that has patiently and steadfastly awaited his return,” LCSO said. “The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the Childers family and hopes that the identification of their loved one brings a measure of peace during this difficult time.
The investigation into his death remains ongoing. If you have any information please contact the LCSO at (256) 760-5761.
The Disappearance of Robert Childers
Robert has suffered from mental health and substance abuse issues in the past, and is classified as disabled. He requires medication.
Disappearance
On September 17, 2016, Robert Childers walked away from his home, located in the 1200 block of Lauderdale County Highway 141 in Florence, Alabama.
According to his roommate, David Nix, Robert left sometime between 9 – 12 pm, without giving any indication of where he was headed. He locked his truck before walking down the road.
Robert was captured on a hunter’s camera shortly after, in a nearby wooded area around County Road 178, near the Tennessee State line.
Extensive searches in the area were conducted the following morning, but no further clues as to his whereabouts were found.
Robert was officially reported missing to the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department on September 19, 2016.
Investigation
There has been no activity on Robert’s bank account or social security number since he disappeared. Robert left home without his truck keys, phone, and wallet.
Robert’s friends are worried that he may be disoriented, or possibly in danger due to a property dispute in which he was involved with.
About 20 years before his disappearance, Robert’s father had purchased a house and land, and lived there with Robert until the house was confiscated due to unpaid taxes. It was sold at auction to a man named Leroy Darby, who was attempting to have both men evicted at the time of Robert’s father’s death in 2014.
Four to five months prior to his disappearance, Darby had the power to the home turned off in an attempt to persuade Robert to leave. A few months later, Darby made another attempt to evict him, though Robert was granted a temporary court order to halt the eviction.
There was a hearing scheduled to determine who legally owned the home, but Robert disappeared before the court date. It is unknown if his disappearance is related to the property dispute.
Possible Roommate Connection
One of his Robert’s neighbors reported seeing him with his roommate, David Nix, after the time the roommate said he left the house. That sighting has never been confirmed.
Nix did give several inconsistent statements about Robert’s disappearance, but he maintains his innocence and has never been publicly named a suspect in the case.
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