Alan Livingston: Remains of man who went missing in 1983 found in Alabama river, killer may go unpunished

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The mystery was unveiled when scuba diver Chris Overstreet found an old vehicle in the river and contacted the police department. Overstreet discovered the vehicle approximately 18 feet underwater, 30 feet from the shoreline behind Summer Waters Apartments, reported al.com. "During an interview with Texas/Arkansas authorities, Roth admitted to hitting Livingston in the head with a board after an argument. He said the crime occurred in Gadsden, where he was staying at the time,” said the officials in a statement. Livingston was 25 when he vanished in April 1983.

After Roth’s statement to authorities, Gadsden, Rainbow City and ABI investigators went to Texas to interview him. “He was inconsistent, however, about what he did with the body and Livingston’s Bronco afterwards. Authorities searched in several different locations but came up short,” the police statement continued. The Ford Bronco was disintegrated and filled with mud. This is when the FBI was involved in the case, and they sent divers from Virginia, Los Angeles and Miami to conduct the search. The statement read, “The silt was sifted and what was left was analyzed by the FBI Evidence Response Team. At the conclusion of the search skeletal remains and identification belonging to Alan Livingston were located. The remains are being sent off to forensics for further analysis."

Philips explained the search in detail. He said, "And ultimately, they found skeletal remains, an Alabama driver's license in pristine condition, a Goodyear ID card and Social Security card and some other personal effects." Philips also spoke about his interaction with Livingston's sister who lives in Ohio. He said, "She was obviously glad; she'll have some closure. But after 39 years, it's also brought back a lot of bad memories. It's great to bring closure, not only to the family but to the area and law enforcement officers still living that were part of this case."