PARMA, N.Y. — ​The case of a missing Parma man is now a murder investigation, after human bones were found on the property owned by William Mason.

The 69-year-old Mason was reported missing in late May. A search ensued, spanning several days, and then, publicly, at least, went quiet.

"We quickly learned that this was not a normal missing person case," said Michael Fowler, chief deputy of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. "That there was something quite wrong with this investigation."

The initial search included Mason's home, and the woods and watery areas behind it. On Friday, authorities announced that there was also a fire pit on the property, with human bones discovered inside.

"We can say with certainty now that the bones are, in fact, human bones that we found in that fire pit," said Inv. Sgt. David Bolton. "At that point, this became a murder investigation."

Authorities also searched a home on nearby Trimmer Road, where a relative of Mason's lives. That person, and another, are considered potential persons of interest by authorities at this time.

Mason was last seen at his home on West Ridge Rd. in Parma on May 25. Authorities conducted an intensive search lasting several days. At the time they did not indicate they'd made the discovery.

Bolton said investigators are working with the medical examiner's office and the Monroe County Crime Lab, but so far, have not been able to identify the bones. That is the biggest missing piece of the puzzle at this point, as authorities continue to try and find out what happened to William Mason, and who is responsible.