The Colorado Bureau of Investigation has identified the body of a man found dead in Jackson County in 1987 as Jerry A. Mikkelson. His family had filed a missing persons report in 1983, and investigators believe he was killed in Wyoming and brought to Colorado. Denver 7 Colorado News (KMGH) reported
In 1987, a man was found dead in Jackson County, Colorado. The investigation into his homicide has recently identified him as Jerry A. Mikkelson, a 24-year-old man. Mikkelson’s family had reported him missing in 1983, stating that he had left his home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. They believed he may have traveled to Pittsburgh, Olathe in Kansas, Wyoming, and possibly Colorado. Mikkelson’s body was discovered on a Forest Service Road about 15 miles north of Walden on October 18, 1987.
During the examination of Mikkelson’s body, investigators noticed he was wearing a vest with the initials L. B. L. on a tag. Soil samples found in his hair led them to believe that he was killed in Wyoming and then transported to Colorado. To gather more evidence, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigations exhumed Mikkelson’s remains on June 28, 2023. During this process, they discovered new DNA samples and a surgical titanium rod in his right femur. The investigators were able to confirm with Mikkelson’s family that he had broken his femur six years prior to his death.
To identify the man as Mikkelson, the investigators utilized Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) and other technological tools. With the help of these methods, they were able to determine his true identity. However, the investigation into Mikkelson’s homicide is still ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to submit a tip to tips@jacksoncountyco.gov or leave a message on the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 970-875-7069.
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