Partially skeletal remains discovered nearly two weeks ago by a passerby in a wooded area in Joliet were positively identified Sunday as those of a 49-year-old Joliet man, according to the Will County coroner’s office.
The body of Richard Rapsin, whom Joliet police described as a vagrant, was found off McKinley Avenue near Edwards Street about 300 yards from some residents in an area used as a dumping ground for years, said Police Sgt. Robert Kelly.
Rapsin had been dead for weeks before his body was found Aug. 27, Will County Coroner Patrick K. O’Neil said Monday.
The cause of death was inconclusive, O’Neil said, but it appeared Rapsin died of natural causes, he said. Joliet Police Capt. James Grace said the police investigation, thus far, had not pointed to foul play.
Kelly said that a pair of work boots and some shirts were found near the body. However, he said he did not believe Rapsin had been living in the area.
Kelly, who does work for the Rialto Square Theatre, said Rapsin had helped unload trucks for shows there.
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“He walked the streets most of the time (but) I never knew him to give anyone a hard time,” he said.