BEAUMONT, Texas — Orange County Deputies have released the identity of the person found dead on Monday in Mauriceville.
The man has been identified as John Wall, 47, of Orange.
Wall was found beneath a carport at a vacant mobile home in the 5300 block of Mesquite Dr. north of Texas Highway 12, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office.
The location where his body was found is just down the street from his home, where he was last seen leaving on foot on February 24, 2024.
Wall was first reported missing by his roommate. Lori Chance, in February 2024.
Chance and her fiancé say Wall's body was found with the same gray blanket, insulin pens and pack of cigarettes they saw him leave home with.
"Closure I guess…I was holding onto hope…but now we know," said Chance. "We have walked these streets. Several people walked these streets and he was right there."
They lived with Wall for two years.
"John was an exceptional roommate. He always made sure my laundry was done or I would do his. He would always make sure my dishes were done. Kitchen was clean. I couldn't ask for a better roommate," said Chance.
His roommates say Wall was a diabetic and insulin dependent. They knew something was wrong after Wall left home on the evening of February 24 and never returned.
"I guess it's just the finalization knowing he's not going to be back is what hurts me the most right now," Chance told 12News.
Orange County deputies and Cherokee Search and Rescue started looking for Wall February 28.
For Chance, day-to-day life has been a struggle since then.
"This month has been heck. We went through every scenario possible. You just don't stop thinking until they're found," she said.
According to Orange County deputies, a potential buyer interested in the property stumbled upon Wall's body Monday morning. It was concealed by thick foliage under a dark carport.
Leanna Albair lives across the street from the abandoned home where Wall was found.
"We knew something was off because the crows have been really going nuts the last three days," she said.
While Chance and her fiancé finally have closure, they are forced to move on with a gap in their hearts.
"God love you, brother. God love you," Chance said.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office is waiting for a final autopsy, but investigators say there is no evidence of foul play.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
GET NEWS & WEATHER ALERTS | Download the 12News App to your mobile device
CRIME STOPPERS | Submit a tip @ 833Tips.com
CRIME STOPPERS APP | Download the P3 Tips App
If you have information about a crime you could earn a cash reward of up to $1000 by providing an ANONYMOUS tip to Crime Stoppers of Southeast Texas.
Call 833-TIPS (8477) or download the P3Tips App on your mobile device to submit your tip anonymously.