From The Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — The Jefferson County Coroner Office has positively identified skeletal remains found on July 6, 2020, and is requesting the public’s assistance in locating the deceased’s family.
Wesley Howard Kitchens, 61, of Birmingham, was found in a wooded area behind the Roebuck Shopping Center. Kitchens remains were found lying on top of a sleeping bag inside a makeshift tent and, the immediate area of the tent had the appearance of a homeless camp for one person.
Kitchens was homeless at the time of his death and was positively identified by DNA comparison, according to Yates.
The cause of death remains undetermined, but there is no evidence of trauma or foul play.
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Kitchens’ father, John Robert Kitchens, died in November 1989, his mother, Betty Morgan Kitchens, died in November 1995, and his brother, John Robert Kitchens Jr., died in July 2004. Kitchens’ parents lived in the 700 block of Lance Blvd, in the South Roebuck area of Birmingham, from at least 1979 to 1991. Kitchens’ brother lived in the 4100 block of Redman Hall Road in Pinson from at least 2000 to 2004.
If you are family or if you have knowledge of family, please call the Jefferson County Coroner/Medical Examiner’s Office at 205-930-3603.