Police release timeline of "significant events" in Dennis Day investigation

This story has been updated to include a statement from Oregon State Police.

PHOENIX, Ore. – UPDATE: 6/7/19 : On Friday, Oregon State Police released a timeline of what it calls “significant events” in the Dennis Day investigation. The former Disney Mouseketeer and actor disappeared without a trace last summer.

On July 13, 2018, the Phoenix Police Department and Jackson County Fire District #5 responded to the residence at 510 Pine St. Phoenix, on a medical call. Henry (aka: Ernie) Caswell (Day’s Husband) had fallen several times. Henry was transported to the hospital and later a care facility where he has been residing since.
On July 17, 2018, the Phoenix Police Department learns that Dennis Day is going to visit friends and would be back in several days. Phoenix Police Department conduct several welfare checks at the residence over the next several weeks.
On July 26, 2018, Oregon State Police responds to a domestic disturbance call on Hwy 42 near milepost 30 in Coos County. A male and female were in possession of a vehicle that belonged to Dennis Day. The female (driver) was cited for driving while suspended and the vehicle was impounded.
On July 27, 2018, Phoenix Police Department enters Dennis Day as missing in LEDS/NCIC. They then conducted another search of the house and were UTL any persons.
On August 8, 2018, Phoenix Police Department receives a report of “bad smell” coming from 510 Pine St. Officers respond and notes “nothing observed or smelled in the area”.
On January 28, 2019, a meeting was held involving Phoenix Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff’s office and the Oregon State Police to discuss the case. The Sheriff’s office and OSP each provide a detective to assist.
On April 4, 2019, Phoenix Police Department obtain the use of cadaver dog and locate a body in the house.
On April 4, 2019, the Jackson County Major Assault Death Investigation Unit (MADIU) is activated and the Oregon State Police becomes the lead agency.
On June 6, 2019, the Medical Examiner’s office has identified the body found in the residence under strong circumstantial evidence.

Stay with NBC5 News for updates on this ongoing investigation.

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Last summer, former Disney Mouseketeer and actor Dennis Day disappeared without a trace.

The 76-year-old Phoenix resident was reportedly last seen walking down his driveway in July 2018 saying he was leaving for a few days to visit friends.

His car also went missing, but it later turned up along the Oregon Coast with two people inside who Day apparently didn’t know.

In April 2019, police said a body was discovered on the property where Day had been living. The remains had been on there for quite some time, according to investigators.

Following the discovery, Oregon State Police said they were working with a Portland forensic lab to extract DNA from the bones of the body. It was a process that was expected to take months.

On June 6, Day’s family members confirmed the remains found were indeed that of their “beloved brother and uncle.” They released the following statement on Facebook:

“Our family would like to take this time to share with you that the remains found in Dennis and Ernie’s home have been officially identified as our beloved Brother and Uncle, Dennis Day. The cause of death is under investigation by the Oregon State Police so we will not be making any comments or answering any questions at this time. We are truly thankful to all of you for your love and support. Please keep Ernie in your prayers during this extremely difficult time. Our family is truly thankful to the Oregon State Police for helping to bring closure to our family so that we can finally lay Dennis to rest. We love you Brother & Uncle Dennis!”

At one point, police said they were treating the case as “suspicious” and as a possible homicide.

OSP issued the following statement after family members went public with their news:

“The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s office identified the body found in the residence listed in previous release by investigation, evidence, and other information as that of missing person, Dennis Day. Despite their efforts, investigators were unable to utilize dental records or DNA due to the condition of the remains. The investigation remains ongoing by the Oregon State Police.”