California officials have finally identified skeletal remains that were found 43 years ago near Brea. The investigation turned into a homicide case after it was discovered that the man had been shot in the face. Genetic genealogy helped identify the man as Lonnie Raymond Thomas, who was 20 years old at the time of his death. His family has been notified, and the case is ongoing. Paloma Chavez reported
Skeletal Remains Found 43 Years Ago Finally Identified as Lonnie Raymond Thomas
After 43 years, the skeletal remains that were discovered near an oil well in Brea, California have been identified as Lonnie Raymond Thomas, a 20-year-old man who had been shot in the face. The case, which had remained unsolved for decades, was reopened in 2021 when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children collaborated with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department to conduct genetic genealogy testing. The man’s body was exhumed, and a DNA profile was developed by a private biotechnology company called Othram. This profile was then sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigations Genealogy Team, who worked with the detectives to locate Thomas’ family. DNA samples from a woman in Compton, believed to be his mother, were used to confirm the identity. The Thomas family has been notified, and efforts are being made to mark his final resting place with a gravestone. The investigation has now been classified as a homicide case, and anyone with information is urged to contact the authorities.
Background on the Discovery
The discovery of human remains near an oil well in Brea, California, which took place in 1980, has finally been solved after 43 years. According to a news release by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, detectives determined that the man had been shot in the face. Despite extensive investigation at the time, the man’s identity remained unknown, and the case went cold.
Collaboration with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
In 2021, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department partnered with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to explore new methods of identification. The focus turned to genetic genealogy, a technique that utilizes DNA analysis to trace family connections. To obtain DNA samples, the man’s body was exhumed, and specimens were collected for analysis.
The Role of Othram and the FBI Genealogy Team
Private biotechnology company Othram was entrusted with developing a DNA profile from the collected specimens. Once the profile was created, it was sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigations Genealogy Team for further analysis and comparison with existing genealogical databases. The collaboration between Othram, the FBI, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department proved instrumental in progressing the investigation.
Family Identification and Confirmation
By working closely with the man’s family, investigators were able to find a woman in Compton who they believed could be his mother. DNA samples were obtained from her, and the results confirmed that the skeletal remains belonged to Lonnie Raymond Thomas, who was 20 years old at the time of his death.
Notification and Final Resting Place
Following the identification, the Thomas family was notified about the breakthrough in the case. Efforts are now being made to honor Lonnie Raymond Thomas with a gravestone that will mark his final resting place.
Homicide Investigation and Call for Information
The investigation into Lonnie Raymond Thomas’ death has now been reclassified as a homicide case. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward and contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 855-847-6227.
Similar Cold Cases
Lonnie Raymond Thomas’ case is not an isolated incident. Over the years, several other long-standing cold cases have been solved, bringing closure to families and justice to the victims. For example, a worker found the body of a missing veteran in a Washington landfill 34 years after his disappearance, and remains found in the Arizona desert 41 years ago were identified as those of a missing gold hunter. Additionally, a woman who was beaten to death 40 years ago in California finally saw her killer arrested at the age of 65.
Location Details
Brea, where the skeletal remains were found, is situated approximately 30 miles southeast of Los Angeles, California.
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