From The Kentucky State Police -
Update
On Friday, July 19, 2019 KSP can confirm the body found on July 12, 2019 in a basement in Harlan has be identified as Tim Middleton (50) of Harlan. Mr. Middleton went missing on December 28, 2018 and the Harlan City Police Department began an investigation.
At this time the cause of death has not been determined and is still under investigation. KSP will continue to update as more information comes available.
The case is still under investigation by Det. Josh Howard.
ORIGINAL STORY
Harlan Ky. (July 13, 2019) On July 12, 2019 at 6:08 p.m. Kentucky State Police, Post 10 Harlan received a call from Harlan City Police Department requesting assistance at 626 May Street in the city of Harlan about a decomposed body found in the basement of the residence. Trooper Kevin Howard and Detective Josh Howard responded to the scene to continue the investigation.
Preliminary investigation indicates the residence has be abandoned for approximately 6 years. The owner of the residence was cleaning up the property and noticed the basement door disturbed. Upon checking the door, the owner discovered the body. Harlan Police Department is currently working a missing person from December 2018. The deceased appears to fit the description in the Harlan Police Department’s case. Due to decomposition, the body will be sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort for an autopsy.
Cause of death and identification is still not confirmed and may take a few days until dental records are confirmed. Once KSP receives the final results on cause of death, it will be released.
Case is under investigation by Detective Josh Howard. Also assisted at the scene by members of the Harlan Police Department and Harlan Rescue Squad.