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Human remains found in Sumter County backyard where missing man was last seen, deputies say

BUSHNELL, Fla. — Authorities found human remains in the backyard of a Sumter County home where a man who has been missing for a month was last seen, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Claudio Carvajal-Hernandez was last seen by his stepson on June 21 around 4 a.m. at 612 Belt Avenue in Bushnell, where the missing man lived, officials said.

Deputies said they searched the backyard with a cadaver dog, which indicated human remains were on the site.

Authorities then began excavating sections of the backyard before finding human remains in a burn pit.

Detectives said all the members of Carvajal-Hernandez’s family are cooperating with law enforcement.

I don't sleep good, you know," said Humberto Carvajal-Hernandez, the man's brother.

Humberto said the family first began to worry about Claudio on June 23 after no one had heard from him for nearly two days.

"I asked his mom to call the jail, to call the hospitals," he said.

He said he began to notice deputies at the house starting Thursday, who remained there.

Deputies secured a warrant for the inside of the home, which they began serving Saturday morning.

A DNA test is required before detectives can positively identify the remains, officials said.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to please contact Detective Troy Hampton at 352-793-2621 or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS(8477)