The investigation into the death of a Salina man whose badly decomposing body was found in Ellsworth County continued Monday, according to a representative with the Salina Police Department.

The remains of Nathan Thompson, 44, were discovered Tuesday, July 19, in a field in rural Ellsworth County. The man one friend described as “a gentle giant” had been missing since mid-June.

The Ellsworth County Sheriff ’s Office was notified of the discovery and eventually called in the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, which notified Salina authorities.

As of Monday, Ellsworth officials continued to refer all questions to Salina; however, if the crime, which has officially been ruled a homicide, occurred here, any trial would be conducted in Ellsworth County.

Meanwhile, Salina authorities have not released details of the crime other than the information contained in a department news release issued Saturday.

According to the release:

The Salina Fire Department responded June 13 to a mobile home fire in the west part of Salina. Once the fire was extinguished, fire fighters determined the mobile home was empty. They also ruled the blaze as arson.

Neighbors said that Thompson, who had been living in the home, had not been seen in a week. Authorities suspected foul play based on information they received.

An autopsy was performed Thursday, July 21, and the medical examiner ruled the case a homicide. The following day, a forensic odontologist used dental records to identify the remains as belonging to Thompson.

In the course of their investigation, Salina authorities took into their possession a white Chevrolet Express van they think might have been used in Thompson’s disappearance.

Anyone with information on the van or Thompson should call the Salina Police Department, (785) 826-7210.