The discovery of human remains two months ago is believed to be that of Turlock resident Korey Kaufman, who had been missing for more than a year.

The remains were found by a group of hunters on Aug. 19. They contacted the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department, which returned to the area and located the body.

An autopsy revealed that the remains were that of a white male in his early to mid 20s. Evidence at the scene led investigators to believe the body was that of Kaufman.

Sheriff’s spokesman Sgt. Keith Rakoncza said he could not elaborate on what that evidence was.

The cause of death was determined to be suspicious, Rakoncza said.

Kaufman was last seen around 11 p.m. March 29, 2012, at a home in the 1300 block of Lander Avenue in Turlock. He said he was going to walk over to a home in the 800 block of Ninth Street. He disappeared on the walk over to the Ninth Street home.

Kaufman made his money by recycling scrap metal, some of which was obtained by illegal means. Sheriff’s investigators earlier stated his disappearance could be connected to the metal thefts.

The day before Kaufman disappeared he told people he had an argument with a man over money and that the man threatened to “cut him from ear to ear.” The man was questioned by investigators after Kaufman’s disappearance and cleared as a suspect.

Because Kaufman’s death is an ongoing investigation, the sheriff’s department would not say if they are questioning the man again.

Detectives are asking for anyone with information regarding the circumstances of Kaufman’s disappearance to come forward. Anyone with information can contact Detective Cory Brown of the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Homicide Unit at 567-4485.