CHELSEA — Rocky Sutherland used his son’s skeletal remains to make a dramatic point against drug use during graveside services Thursday in Chelsea.

Blake Sutherland’s skeleton was found nearly four months ago near Spencer Creek. The victim of a homicide, he had been missing for 14 months.

Rocky Sutherland, standing beside his son’s casket, said: “I’m going to show you what drugs will do to you.”

He opened the casket and revealed a collection of bones.

“This is what drugs will do to you, right here. So, please, don’t do ’em. If you’re on ’em, get off ’em. Just don’t do it.”

Blake’s death is considered a homicide by the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office and Investigator Chris Bohl has been on the case since Blake was reported missing in January 2007. The last time his family saw him alive was Jan. 12, 2007.

“I’m still following up on several leads and then I’ll submit my report to the (District Attorney),” Bohl said Thursday morning. “I’ll tell you this, there will be some arrests made when it’s done.”

When Blake was reported missing, Bohl said he received several leads and rumors and followed each one, but Blake could not be found.

On March 27, Bohl reported two fishermen found bones in an abandoned strip mine on a property that houses an abandoned mobile home near Spencer Creek in rural Rogers County. Blake’s remains were scattered across the gully adjacent to the strip mine, a place Rocky said had been searched before by both himself and Bohl.

Now deceased Tom Carter was who Bohl said was the number one suspect in the case, but would not elaborate on the circumstances. No other names have been released in relation to the case.

Bohl said he did not know when his final report would be submitted to the Rogers County District Attorney.

Before Rocky Sutherland’s dramatic opening of his son’s casket, friends spoke fondly of Blake, of his smile, laughter and willingness to lend a helping hand. They also remembered his appetite.

“There’s not enough words to express what Blake meant to all of us,” a high school friend recalled. “We’ll always be grateful for him and his family. He would help you in any way possible. He was always good for raiding your kitchen and your refrigerator, but you was always happy to have him there.

“Your big heart, smile and laughter will remain in our hearts never to be forgotten. You touched our souls. Blake, we have all been blessed with knowing and loving you. Rest in peace.”

Rick Stanbro, Blake’s friend and co-worker, recalled times the two spent together.