Skeletal remains believed to be those of Lance Leeroy Arellano were discovered in a narrow cave near Moab, the Grand county sheriff's office said in a press release. Arellano was 40 when he disappeared.
Five years ago officers spent days searching rugged desert canyons and caves for Arellano after identifying him as the suspect in the shooting of Utah park ranger Brody Young.
Young, who was 34 at the time, survived the shooting with injuries to his arm, leg and abdomen.
The sheriff's office said a college student discovered the remains in the cave. Nearby was a bag containing a handgun, ammunition and binoculars.