Illinois State Police have identified the man whose remains were discovered in Lake Mattoon on Sunday of last week. ISP says additional updates will continue to come about as the investigation does the same. It seems the investigation can now turn to searching for the suspect in this rather twisted case.
Dalewayne Turner, 38, of Plainfield, Illinois has been confirmed as the victim. ISP Division of Criminal Investigations Zone 8 made the announcement, confirming that no further tips from the public are needed at this time and that there is no threat to the public.
The investigation began on the evening of June 28th, 2026, when boaters on Lake Mattoon spotted parts of a human arm in the water. The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department requested that ISP take over the investigation, and detectives quickly turned to the public for help, specifically asking anyone if they might recognize two unique tattoos on the arm, to come forward.
One tattoo depicted a skeleton holding a Green Bay Packers helmet, and the other appeared to show an unknown set of letters or numbers. Those tattoos ultimately proved to be the key to identifying Turner after several days of the investigation and information gained from the general public.
The Illinois State Police would like to thank our communities for their help in solving the victim’s identity. We will continue to monitor this investigation as it takes its next steps.
