Fort Myers man’s remains identified 6 years after disappearance

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — Police confirmed they found partial human remains of a man who went missing more than five years ago.

The Fort Myers Police Department said DNA testing by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement matched the remains to Porter Albert, who was reported missing in 2020.

Police told WINK News Albert’s remains were discovered in 2023, but his identity was only recently confirmed through DNA testing conducted by the University of North Texas. FDLE later validated the results, and officials said the top priority after identification was notifying next of kin.

Albert was last seen at 6:45 p.m. on Jan. 15, 2020, inside the Big Lots store at 13970 N. Cleveland Avenue in North Fort Myers. He was reported missing six days later.

Crimestoppers offered $5,000 cash reward regarding Albert's case.

• RELATED: Fort Myers police investigate 78-year-old’s suspicious disappearance

Because of the long gap between when Albert disappeared and when his remains were found, police are asking anyone with information to come forward.

Detectives said even small details about his disappearance, movements or final known whereabouts could help the investigation.

Anyone with information can contact the Fort Myers Police Department at 239-321-7700 or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-8477.