WATERLOO — Human remains discovered at a Waterloo wastewater treatment facility have been identified as those of a 52-year-old man who had been missing for nearly three years, authorities said.
The Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner positively identified the remains as Darrin Lenton, who was reported missing in Waterloo on July 10, 2021.
Lenton’s remains were discovered nearly 32 months later at the Waterloo Waste Treatment Plant, 2550 Kenyon Avenue.
Waterloo police were notified about the possible human remains at approximately 12:17 p.m. Monday, March 4, 2024. Patrol officers responded and were directed to the area where the remains had been found.
Police detectives and crime-lab personnel were called to the facility to assist with the investigation and collection of evidence. The remains were then transported to the state medical examiner’s office for identification and an examination to determine the cause and manner of death.
Police announced several days later that medical examiners had identified Lenton.
Additional testing remained underway, but authorities said investigators had found no indication of foul play.
Police did not disclose where within the treatment-plant property the remains were located, who initially discovered them or how long investigators believe they had been there. Authorities also did not release information about Lenton’s whereabouts or circumstances before his disappearance.
Although foul play was not suspected, Waterloo police continued to classify the matter as an active investigation.
Anyone with information about Lenton’s disappearance or death is asked to contact the Waterloo Police Detective Division at 319-291-4340, option 3, or Cedar Valley Crime Stoppers at 855-300-TIPS.