Man missing for 30 years finally identified as murder victim

A South Dakota man who went missing 30 years ago has been named as the victim in a murder case.

Jerry A Mikkelson from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was reported missing by a member of his family on 8 August, 1983.

The 24-year-old has since been identified as the 1987 male homicide victim in a case which had gone cold, and police are appealing for information to track down his killer.

Jackson County Sheriff's Office

Jackson County Sheriff's Office took to Facebook on 7 November with the update.

The press release states Mikkelson's body was discovered on 18 October, 1987 on 'a Forest Service Road located 15 miles north of Walden and five miles from the Wyoming border'.

"Mikkelson was wearing a vest with the initials L.B.L written on a tag inside of the vest," it continues.

It reveals Mikkelson has since been able to be identified as the victim of the 1987 male homicide case as a result of Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) 'and other advancements in technology'.

Jackson County Sheriff's Office

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office 'worked closely' with the Colorado Bureau of Investigations (CBI) and the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to identify Mikkelson as the victim.

"Mikkelson's remains were exhumed by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, CBI, and DCI earlier this year on June 28, 2023," it explains.

"The exhumation resulted in new DNA samples and the discovery of a surgical titanium rod in the right femur."

Mikkelson's family confirmed he broke his femur, which aided the investigator's identifying of the victim.

Soil samples 'found in his hair' also suggests he was murdered in Wyoming before being brought to Colorado.

The press release has called on members of the public to come forward if they have any information which could help with authorities' investigation into the homicide.

It states: "Mikkelson willingly left his home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on August 8, 1983. It is believed Mikkelson spent time in Pittsburgh PA, Olathe KS, Wyoming, and possibly Colorado. Mikkelson was born on August 12, 1963.

"He was described as 5'9" and about 160lbs at the time of his disappearance. Mikkelson had brown eyes and brown hair that had a naturally curly/wavy texture.

"If you have any information about Mikkelson or the homicide, you can submit a tip to [email protected] or by leaving 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, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677