METHUEN, MASS. (WHDH) - The human remains that were recovered from an area behind a storage facility in Methuen have been identified as a missing Manchester, New Hampshire man, officials announced Friday.
After several days of digging at the property at 145 Milk St., investigators found the remains of 52-year-old Zakhia Charabati around 4:15 p.m. Thursday, according to the FBI’s Boston Division.
Charabati’s family reported him missing March 14, sparking a monthslong investigation.
A source told 7NEWS the FBI is investigating his death as a homicide.
In a statement, FBI Boston Division Special Agent in Charge Joseph R. Bonavolonta said, “Although not the result they were hoping for, we are pleased to have assisted in bringing them some much-needed closure. Investigative efforts to pursue those responsible for Mr. Charabati’s death will continue.”
Neighbors say he was a devoted family man who had just recently remarried and worked hard running his own food distribution company.
“I know how close he was to his family and the fact that he didn’t show up, I knew something horrible had to have happened because he just wouldn’t have left. He was a family man, completely,” neighbor Ann Dufresne said. “He was generous, he’d give you the shirt off his back he was that kind of a character.”
Other neighbors say they are confident whoever is responsible will be brought to justice.
“I’m very confident that they’ll be able to find the person or persons that were responsible for Zak’s disappearance and homicide,” neighbor and City Alderman Bill Barry said.
No additional details were immediately available.
The investigation remains ongoing at this time.
This is a developing news story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest details.
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