A Sioux Falls man, Jerry Mikkelson, has been identified as the victim in a 36-year-old cold case murder. New DNA technology and the discovery of a titanium rod in Mikkelson’s remains helped authorities make the identification. Mikkelson’s body was found in Colorado, but it is believed he was murdered in Wyoming. The killer has yet to be identified, and authorities are seeking any information related to the case. Dakota News Now staff reported
A 36-year-old cold case involving a homicide in Sioux Falls, South Dakota has been solved with the help of new DNA technology. The victim has been identified as Jerry Mikkelson, a 24-year-old man whose body was found in 1987 on a Forest Service road in Colorado near the Wyoming border. It is believed that Mikkelson was murdered in Wyoming and transported to Colorado. In June of this year, authorities in Colorado and Wyoming exhumed Mikkelson’s remains, leading to the discovery of new DNA samples and a titanium rod in his right femur. This confirmed that Mikkelson had previously broken his femur and had a titanium rod implanted. The investigation is still ongoing as authorities work to identify the killer. If you have any information about Mikkelson or the homicide, you can submit a tip to tips@jacksoncountyco.gov or leave a message on the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 970-875-7069. Information is provided by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office..
A cold case that had remained unsolved for 36 years has finally been cracked, thanks to new DNA technology. The victim has been identified as Jerry Mikkelson, a 24-year-old man from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The unfortunate incident took place in 1987 when Mikkelson’s lifeless body was discovered on a Forest Service road in Colorado, near the Wyoming border. Investigators believe that he was killed in Wyoming and then transported to Colorado.
In June of this year, authorities in Colorado and Wyoming decided to exhume Mikkelson’s remains in the hopes of finding new leads. This process yielded valuable DNA samples, as well as the discovery of a titanium rod in his right femur. Remarkably, Mikkelson’s family confirmed that he had broken his femur six years prior to his death and had a titanium rod surgically implanted. This crucial information helped solidify the identification.
According to a missing persons report filed by a family member, Mikkelson willingly left his home in Sioux Falls on August 8, 1983. It is believed that he may have traveled to various places, including Pittsburgh, PA; Olathe, KS; Wyoming, and possibly Colorado.
Despite these significant breakthroughs, authorities are still working tirelessly to identify the person responsible for Mikkelson’s murder. They urge anyone with information related to Mikkelson or the homicide to come forward. Tips can be submitted to tips@jacksoncountyco.gov or left on the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 970-875-7069.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is providing this information to the public. The case has gained attention, and a picture of Mikkelson has been shared, showcasing the victim and highlighting the urgency to solve this long-standing mystery.
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