Jerry A. Mikkelson, a 24-year-old man from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has been identified as the victim in a 1987 unsolved homicide case. Using advanced DNA testing, investigators discovered Mikkelson’s remains near the Colorado-Wyoming border. They believe he was killed in Wyoming and transported to Colorado. Mikkelson’s family provided valuable information, including the fact that he had broken his right femur prior to his death. The case remains unsolved, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. Sady Swanson reported
Nearly four decades have passed since the discovery of a body in a 1987 unsolved homicide case in Jackson County, near the Colorado-Wyoming border. However, thanks to additional DNA testing conducted this year, the victim has finally been identified. In a news release, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office revealed that the deceased individual was Jerry A. Mikkelson, a 24-year-old resident of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Mikkelson’s lifeless body was found on October 18, 1987, along a U.S. Forest Service road, approximately 15 miles north of Walden and 5 miles from the Wyoming border. Notably, he was wearing a vest with the initials L.B.L. inscribed on the tag.
The sheriff’s office disclosed that Mikkelson had been reported missing from his Sioux Falls home on August 8, 1983. A family member filed a missing persons report, stating that Mikkelson had willingly left. It is believed that he may have spent time in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Olathe, Kansas; Wyoming; and possibly Colorado.
In a joint effort, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado Bureau of Investigation, and the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigations exhumed Mikkelson’s remains on June 28, 2023. During this process, investigators collected new DNA samples and made an intriguing discovery—a surgical titanium rod was found in Mikkelson’s right femur.
Utilizing Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy techniques and other advancements, investigators were able to use the new DNA samples to positively identify Mikkelson as the victim. Mikkelson’s family also provided crucial information, revealing that he had broken his right femur six years before his death, which explained the presence of the titanium rod.
Based on soil samples found in Mikkelson’s hair, investigators believe that he was murdered in Wyoming and subsequently transported to Colorado.
Jerry A. Mikkelson, born on August 12, 1963, was described as 5-foot-9 and weighing 160 pounds at the time of his disappearance. He had brown eyes and brown curly or wavy hair.
If anyone possesses information relevant to Mikkelson or this unsolved homicide, they are encouraged to submit a tip to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office via email at tips@jacksoncountyco.gov or by leaving a message on the sheriff’s office tip line at 970-875-7069..