Human Remains Discovered In Robbins Identified

Robbins, TN (2011-10-25) Human remains discovered on the lawn of a Robbins residence have been positively identified. The dog that initially discovered the remains has attacked a Sheriff’s Department Detective and has been euthanized.

According to the Scott County Sheriff’s Department, the skeletal remains found at 3074 Mountain View Road in the Robbins community on October 17, 2011 have been positively identified. The Sheriff’s Department, along with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the University of Tennessee Forensic Center, say the remains are those of David Alexander Claxton, 24, of the Robbins Community.

Although Claxton was reportedly last seen sometime in mid-May, no one reported him missing. Given the nature of the case, authorities are calling his death suspicious, but have stopped short of calling it a homicide.

On Monday, Detective Randy Lewallen went to the Robbins residence where the remains were first discovered to talk with the homeowners, when he noticed what appeared to be another human bone on the lawn. When Detective Lewallen attempted to retrieve the bone, which was in the possession of a pit bull, the dog reportedly attacked the officer; causing injuries to his mid-section and hand. The dog was euthanized at the scene. The dog was same animal that had retrieved the earlier remains from the nearby woods.

Upon discovery of the new remains, officers conducted another search of the area, but didn’t find anything further.

On Monday, October 17, 2011, a Robbins resident notified authorities of the discovery of what appeared to be human bones in his yard. Upon arrival, the Sheriff’s Department located what were believed to be general human skeletal remains. During the course of the investigation, authorities utilized a cadaver dog to scour the landscape near the residence for additional remains the following day. Unsuccessful, authorities returned on Wednesday with additional manpower from the South Scott Volunteer Fire Department and conducted another search. Authorities, the local fire department, and Scott County Rescue Squad, along with cadaver dogs conducted another exhaustive search of the area on Friday, but again, no additional remains were found.

According to authorities, no missing persons report had been filed on Claxton prior to the discovery of the remains on October 17, 2011.

The Scott County Sheriff’s Department and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation continues to search and investigate Claxton’s disappearance and the discovery of his remains.

Anyone with information regarding the case should contact Detective Tommy Silcox at the Scott County Sheriff’s Department at (423) 663-3111.