Body of Missing Alabaster Man Glen Spence Identified in Pelham After Two-Month Search
The body of 67-year-old Glen 'Mo' Spence, who had been missing from Alabaster since August 13, was identified by the Shelby County Coroner on Sunday after being found in a wooded area near water in Pelham. Preliminary examinations indicate no signs of foul play or trauma, though a full autopsy is pending. The discovery concludes a nearly two-month community-wide search effort.
Key points
- Shelby County Coroner Lina Evans confirmed the remains found in Pelham belong to Glen Spence, a 67-year-old resident of Alabaster.
- Spence was last seen on August 13 at an Alabaster shopping center; his body was discovered on September 27 near a water source in Pelham.
- Preliminary findings show no evidence of foul play or trauma, but authorities have not yet released a cause or manner of death.
- Formal identification and further examinations will be conducted by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences.
- The discovery ends a nearly two-month search involving local police, volunteers, and community members who had organized extensive efforts to locate him.
Background
This case follows a pattern of missing person investigations where bodies are recovered in remote or wooded areas after extended searches. While unrelated to the recent recovery of a missing child in South Carolina or a missing man in East Greenbush, the Spence case highlights the role of community volunteers in locating missing individuals in Alabama.
How outlets are covering it
WBRC and WBMA both reported that the body was found near water in a wooded area in Pelham, with WBRC noting the property owner discovered the body at 1:25 p.m. WVTM emphasized the coroner's preliminary assessment that no trauma was present. All sources agreed that the search had united the community, with volunteers like Trish Garmon and McKinley Codding/Cotting highlighting Spence's impact on local residents. No source reported conflicting details on the timeline or identification process.
Why it matters
The identification of Glen Spence closes a significant local investigation that mobilized extensive community resources. The preliminary finding of no foul play may provide some closure to his family and the volunteers who dedicated nearly two months to searching for him, though the exact cause of death remains pending forensic review.
What to watch
The Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences will conduct a full autopsy and formal identification. Authorities expect to release a cause and manner of death once the examination is complete. The community may hold memorial events or continue to honor Spence's impact on the Alabaster area.
- Body found in Pelham identified as missing Alabaster man WBRC
- Body of missing Alabaster man Glen Spence found, family says WVTM Channel 13
- Body found in Pelham believed to be beloved 67-year-old missing Shelby County man AL.com
- Body found near Wild Timber neighborhood in Pelham Shelby County Reporter
- Body found in Pelham believed to be missing Shelby county man WBMA
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