Artistic rendering and sketch of the victim; Victim's clothing
Artistic rendering and sketch of the victim; Victim's clothing
Date of Discovery: February 19, 2000
Location of Discovery: St. Onge, Lawrence County, South Dakota
Estimated Date of Death: 6 months prior
State of Remains: Not recognizable - Near complete or complete skeleton
Cause of Death: Homicide - multiple gunshot wounds to the body and head
Estimated Age: 20-25 years old
Race: Unsure; DNA results found 51% European heritage and 43% North & Central American heritage
Gender: Male
Height: 5'7"
Weight: Unknown
Hair Color: Dark hair
Eye Color: Unknown
Distinguishing Marks/Features: He had spondylolysis of the 5th lumbar vertebra. This may have resulted in back pain, and possibly a limp or altered gait.
Dentals: Available. No dental work and he had a noticeable overbite which would have made it unlikely that his lips would have closed over his teeth at rest.
Fingerprints: Unavailable
DNA: Available
Clothing: Purple and blue striped short sleeve, button up Britannia shirt, size XL (see photo); Wrangler blue jeans; tan Stubbies swimming trunks; white Hanes underwear, size 30; green and purple horizontal striped Bill Blass lightweight jacket, size XL; Spaulding tennis shoes, size 9 (see photo); worn brown leather belt with a worn oblong silver buckle, 1x2", with a front inset area which may have held a mount of some type (see photo)
Jewelry: Unknown
Additional Personal Items: Unknown
The victim's skeletal remains were found lying face up and partially covered in a reclaimed landfill in rural, northern Lawrence County. It appeared that the suspect(s) attempted to hide the victim using pieces of scrap lumber found on the site.
DNA extracted from the victim's bones was found to have about 51% European heritage and 43% North and Central American heritage.
Agency Name: South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation
Agency Contact Person: Unknown
Agency Phone Number: 605-773-3331
Agency E-Mail: N/A
Agency Case Number: 0000587
Agency Name: South Dakota Forensic Laboratory
Agency Contact Person: Stacey Smith, DNA Specialist
Agency Phone Number: 605-773-3673
Agency E-Mail: N/A
Agency Case Number: 00-0055
Agency Name: Lawrence County Sheriff's Office
Agency Contact Person: Unknown
Agency Phone Number: 605-578-2230
Agency E-Mail: N/A
Agency Case Number: 00-2671
NCIC Case Number: U780001432
NamUs Case Number: 11458
Namus
Black Hills Pioneer (Spearfish, SD) - July 8, 2015
Added: 3/14/14; Last Updated: 5/2/21
Questions or comments? Please contact appropriate member of the Area Team
** Listed information may be estimated.
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