In a breakthrough development, the remains of a man found in a lake near Conroe, Texas in 1986 have finally been identified using the latest advancements in DNA technology. The body, which was partially submerged and weighed down with cinder blocks, had remained unidentified for decades. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office announced the significant breakthrough in a recent statement.
Back in August 1986, several individuals discovered the body in Crater Lake, Conroe. It was found partially submerged in the water, with two cement cinder blocks attached to an electrical cord as a means to weigh it down. The victim, described as a white man in his 20s, approximately 5-foot-6-inches tall, and weighing 133 pounds, had distinctive features including collar length reddish brown hair, decaying teeth, and various tattoos. Notably, one tattoo on his left upper arm read “Liz” and another on his right upper arm read “Baby Dawn.” He also had a pierced left ear lobe and was dressed in blue jeans, a brown short-sleeve shirt, and white athletic socks.
Although an autopsy determined that the cause of death was multiple gunshots, investigators were unable to identify the victim at the time. However, in 2015, cold case detectives exhumed the remains to extract DNA, which was then entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) database. Despite these efforts, the victim’s identity remained a mystery.
In a surprising turn of events, advancements in DNA technology in May 2023 provided detectives with an opportunity to reexamine the remains. They obtained additional DNA for Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) and sent it to the Othram Lab. Through a genealogy assessment, a potential family member in California was identified. Local law enforcement contacted this family member, who voluntarily provided a DNA sample for comparison. In October 2023, the Othram Lab confirmed the match between the remains and the family member in California.
The identified individual is 71-year-old Clarence Lynn Wilson, whose last known address was in Texas City, Texas. The investigation into Wilson’s death is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information about him or the crime to come forward. They can call 836-760-5820 or Crime Stoppers at 800-392-7867 to provide any relevant details.
This long-awaited identification brings closure to a decades-old mystery and highlights the power of advancements in DNA technology in solving cold cases. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and detectives involved in the investigation are commended for their dedication and perseverance in finally bringing answers to the victim’s family and the community.
