Missing DeFuniak Springs Man Identified After 10 Years

Skeletal remains found on Eglin Air Force Base property in November have been identified as John Thomas "JT" Watson, who vanished in August 2015.

Watson, 38, was last seen on August 7, 2015, driving a Mitsubishi Mirage in DeFuniak Springs. Two months later, authorities found the vehicle abandoned on a wooded section of Eglin property between Coy Burgess Loop and Nelson Road, keys still inside.

On November 24, 2025, searchers discovered human remains near Forest Oak Road on Eglin property. A set of keys to Watson's Ford Mustang lay nearby. DNA analysis by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and DNA Labs International confirmed the remains belonged to Watson.

The Walton County Sheriff's Office has not disclosed the cause of death or circumstances of Watson's disappearance. The investigation remains active.

Anyone with information can call the Walton County Sheriff's Office at 850-892-8111 or contact Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers anonymously at 850-863-TIPS.