The Pennsylvania State Police, Troop J, Lancaster Station, and Lancaster County District Attorney's Office are investigating the 1991 homicide of Derek Michael Mason. Investigators from PSP Lancaster recovered human remains from alongside the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Clay Township, Lancaster County, on January 21, 1992. Those remains have been identified in December 2023 as belonging to Mason, of Philadelphia.

The remains were dumped into a wooded area along the PA Turnpike and went unidentified until December 2023 after the Pennsylvania State Police and Lancaster County District Attorney's Office partnered to fund the use of Forensic Genetic Genealogy.  Bone samples were sent to Othram Labs in Texas to have advanced DNA testing completed.  Once the testing was completed, genealogical research conducted by a PSP Analyst identified potential family members.  Through interviews with family members and additional DNA testing the remains were positively identified as belonging to Mason, who was determined to be a victim of homicide.

Mason was last seen leaving his residence in the 500 block of South 39th Street in West Philadelphia in October 1991. Mason was known in the area by the names "Hawkeye" and "Hawk."

Anyone with information regarding the homicide of Derek Mason is asked to contact Trooper Brian McNally, PSP Lancaster, at 717-290-1967. PSP Tips is offering a $2,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest in this case.

MEDIA CONTACT: Sean McBryan, semcbryan@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @SeanMcBryanLanc.