The Medical Examiner’s Office identified the human remains discovered in St. Petersburg as 34 year-old Rang Truong. Truong went missing on December 27, 2016.
On December 27, 2016, deputies responded to Derby Lane, located at 10490 Gandy Boulevard, for a report of a missing person. Deputies were informed that Truong fled on foot from his brother’s vehicle and was unable to be located.
Deputies attempted to search the area, but were unable to find Truong. According to detectives, Truong was entered into state and national computer databases as a Missing/Endangered Person due to reported intellectual disabilities and other mental health concerns.
From 2017 to 2022, detectives continued to follow-up on the case, coordinated searches around Derby Lane, and stayed in contact with Truong’s family to gather more information.
On January 28, 2022, detectives learned the St. Petersburg Police Department was investigating a report of unidentified remains found in the area of Interstate 275, near the Howard Frankland Bridge, and responded to the scene. It was reported that a citizen located what appeared to be human bones under heavy vegetation south of the Howard Frankland Bridge.
Detectives provided the Medical Examiner’s Office with Truong’s information, as a possible identity of the human remains. With the use of dental records, the remains were positively identified as Truong’s. At this time, the cause of death is unknown. The Medical Examiner’s Office will work to determine the cause and manner of death.
Next of kin has been notified.
If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Robbery/Homicide Unit Detective C. Lyons at (727) 582-6207 or [email protected].
The investigation continues.