RANKIN, Ill. (WCIA) -- More than a year after a Rankin man went missing, authorities believe they recovered his remains in Champaign County this week. His former neighbor is now under arrest for allegedly murdering him.
WCIA previously reported that 55-year-old Frank Lucas disappeared on July 8, 2024. His family reported him missing three days later.
The search initially focused on the Rankin area but was later expanded to include other parts of Vermilion County and Champaign County. On Wednesday, the Vermilion County Sheriff's Office provided an update in the case.
Captain Michael Hartshorn said in a news release the investigation found evidence that Lucas was likely murdered, and his former neighbor -- identified as 56-year-old Johnny Gibson -- was named a suspect in the case. Gibson