A missing man’s case is finally resolved after nearly a decade, thanks to a Google Maps find that led to a tragic discovery in Michigan
Byron Township: David Lee Niles vanished on October 11, 2006, after leaving a bar. His disappearance puzzled everyone, and despite police efforts, he was never found.
Years went by, and in 2011, his family posted an obituary online, hoping for closure. It mentioned that only God knew when and where he had passed.
At the time, David was struggling with a cancer diagnosis and depression, which made his sudden disappearance even more heartbreaking for his loved ones.
Fast forward nine years, and a Christmas decorator named Brian Houseman spotted something odd in a pond. He called the sheriff’s department, which led to a Google Maps investigation.
To everyone’s shock, an overhead image showed a car submerged in the water, hidden in plain sight. A dive team was sent in, and they pulled the car out.
Inside, they found David’s skeletal remains and his wallet. His family gathered at the scene, and his son-in-law expressed relief, saying it brought closure to a long search.
Lieutenant Ron Gates noted that the car had likely been there for a while, with no signs of recent movement. The family had suspected the worst, but finding David brought some peace.
Even with the discovery, questions linger about how David and his car ended up in that pond. The mystery remains, but at least his family can finally say goodbye.
