Jerry A Mikkelson, who went missing in South Dakota in 1983, has been identified as the victim in a murder case. His body was discovered in 1987 near the Wyoming border. Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy and DNA samples helped identify him. Authorities are asking the public for any information related to the case. Poppy Bilderbeck reported
A South Dakota man by the name of Jerry A Mikkelson, who vanished without a trace 30 years ago in 1983, has recently been identified as the victim in a murder case. The investigation into Mikkelson’s disappearance began when a concerned family member reported him missing on August 8, 1983, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office in Colorado took to Facebook on November 7 to share an update on the case. According to their press release, Mikkelson’s body was found on October 18, 1987, on a Forest Service Road located approximately 15 miles north of Walden and just five miles away from the Wyoming border. The discovery of his remains was initially a mysterious occurrence, but recent advancements in technology, specifically in the field of Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG), allowed authorities to finally identify Mikkelson as the victim of a male homicide case from 1987.
During the investigation, it was uncovered that Mikkelson was wearing a vest with the initials L.B.L written on a tag inside. This detail, along with other evidence found at the scene, played a crucial role in positively identifying him. Additionally, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office collaborated closely with the Colorado Bureau of Investigations (CBI) and the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to verify Mikkelson’s identity.
To gather further evidence, Mikkelson’s remains were exhumed by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, CBI, and DCI on June 28, 2023. This process resulted in the collection of new DNA samples, as well as the discovery of a surgical titanium rod in his right femur. Interestingly, Mikkelson’s family confirmed that he had indeed broken his femur in the past, which further assisted investigators in confirming his identity.
Moreover, soil samples found in Mikkelson’s hair indicated that he may have been murdered in Wyoming before his body was transported to Colorado. This crucial information has prompted the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office to call upon the public for any additional information that could aid in the ongoing investigation into the homicide.
According to the press release, it is believed that Mikkelson willingly left his home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on August 8, 1983. There are indications that he may have spent time in various locations, including Pittsburgh, PA, Olathe, KS, Wyoming, and possibly Colorado. Mikkelson was born on August 12, 1963, and at the time of his disappearance, he was described as 5’9″ tall and weighing around 160 pounds. He had brown eyes and brown hair that had a naturally curly/wavy texture.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about Mikkelson or the homicide to come forward and submit a tip to [email protected] or leave a message on the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 970-875-7069.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, you can contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677..