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Law enforcement is sending out a strong message following the death of a man whose vehicle was found burned in Orange County and his remains located months later in Newton County.

“If you know something, now’s the time to talk, because we are coming for you,” Jasper County Public Information Officer Karli Cherry said while repeating the message given this week by Newton County Sheriff Robert Burby and Jasper County Chief Deputy Scotty Duncan.

The multi-jurisdictional investigation also includes Orange County officials.

Wayne Ardel Ayers, 52, was last seen leaving his home April 19 in the Sunset area, which is near the Orange County/Jasper County line.

A family member of Ayers made the missing person report to Jasper County April 20, and his vehicle was found burned on Mansfield Ferry Road in Orange County.

Human remains were discovered in July along the banks of the Sabine River in Belgrade in two nearby locations.

Newton County Sheriff Robert Burby announced DNA analysis showed the remains are those of Ayers.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call their respective sheriff’s office or law enforcement agency.

They can also call Crime Stoppers of Southeast Texas at 409-833-TIPS or download the P3 Tips app on a smart phone. Tips are anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward.

— Written by Mary Meaux