WEST ALEXANDRIA — The discovery of decomposing remains on unoccupied property in the 7000 block of Lexington-Salem Road is being investigated as a homicide, the Preble County Sheriff's Office said.

Two persons looking for scrap metal on the property northeast of this Preble County village discovered the remains about noon, July 18, Sheriff Mike Simpson's office said. The names of the two people were not released.

Detectives believe the remains are that of a male, who appeared to have been wearing "flip-flop" type beach sandals and Chaps brand name denim jeans, the sheriff's office said.

How long the remains had been on the property is unknown.

Detectives spent the afternoon searching the property for evidence after securing a search warrant for the property.

The remains were removed to the Montgomery County Coroner's Office, where a forensic examination is expected to take place on Monday, July 21, according to Simpson's office.

The sheriff's office asks anyone who may have information regarding a missing person who was wearing the clothing mentioned to call (937) 456-6262.