Jonathan Elwell death investigators remain mum

Remains of the brother of an Easton district judge were found in June in Iowa.

Authorities in Iowa are withholding details on the death of the brother of an Easton district judge, an investigator said this afternoon.

Union Pacific Railroad workers in Crawford County, Iowa, found remains identified as those of Jonathan Elwell on June 19. The brother of District Judge Gay Elwell, he was found about 2 miles from his rented Volkswagen that had been located April 20 -- sparking a search. The Shillington, Pa., resident was 44.

Investigators are not releasing the results of Jonathan Elwell's autopsy or his cause and manner of death "due to the nature of the investigation," Jackie Montagne, a special agent with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, said today.

"We may release it in the future but not right now," she said.

Authorities have not indicated whether foul play is suspected. Elwell was last seen alive April 17 in Pennsylvania, and information suggests he was in Carroll, Iowa, in the western half of that state, April 18, according to the Iowa Department of Public Safety.

Gay Elwell said today she is unable to discuss the investigation either.

"We're aware it's an open investigation," she said.

Their family gathered Sunday in Tylersport, Montgomery County -- "where we all grew up," Gay Elwell said -- for a celebration of Jonathan Elwell's life.

"It was very helpful to all of us," his sister said today. "We're all hoping that there will be a lot more soon."