Missing Willis man identified after body found in Conroe

CONROE, Texas – The mystery surrounding the disappearance of a Willis man has reached a tragic conclusion after authorities identified human remains discovered earlier this week.

The Conroe Police Department confirmed Wednesday that the body found on Monday, February 26, is that of 43-year-old David Michael Johnson. Johnson had been the subject of a desperate, month-long search after he was reported missing by his family in late January.

The discovery was made at approximately 11 a.m. Monday by a local resident who was walking a dog in a wooded area located in the 400 block of Gladstell Road in Conroe. Emergency responders and investigators from the Conroe Police Department and the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office were dispatched to the scene to secure the area and recover the remains.

Montgomery County Forensic Services utilized dental records to positively identify the remains as belonging to Johnson.

Johnson was last seen in the Willis area on January 24. Following his disappearance, his family launched a widespread effort to locate him, and the Willis Police Department issued an official missing person alert, circulating his description and last known whereabouts to the public. For over four weeks, loved ones maintained an active search, hoping for his safe return.

While the identification process is complete, the circumstances surrounding Johnson’s death remain under investigation. Officials at the Montgomery County Forensic Center are currently conducting an autopsy. A spokesperson for the department indicated that they are awaiting the final pathology report to determine the official cause and manner of death.

Authorities have not yet released details regarding whether foul play is suspected, noting that the investigation remains active and ongoing.

The Conroe Police Department is urging anyone with information related to Johnson’s movements in the days leading up to his disappearance, or anyone who may have noticed suspicious activity in the area of the 400 block of Gladstell Road, to come forward. Witnesses can contact the Conroe Police Department at 936-522-3200 or reach out to the Montgomery County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-392-STOP to provide information anonymously.

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as the Montgomery County Forensic Center releases further findings from the autopsy.