Howell County officials on Wednesday identified a burned body found during a fire last weekend at a garage at an abandoned residence west of West Plains.

Genetic testing showed the body is that of Ricky J. Johnson, 22, of Pottersville, according to the Howell County Sheriff's Department.

Investigators suspected the body was Johnson's but had no way to confirm that without DNA tests, according to Sheriff Robbie Crites.

The department was able to have testing done after contacting family members and obtaining DNA samples.

Johnson's death remains under investigation by the Howell County Sheriff's Office, the Missouri State Fire Marshal's Office, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the West Plains Police Department.