A man whose identity was unknown for nearly four decades now has his name back. This is an update to a story that the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO) shared in July 2024.
In January 1990, a couple hiking near Little Talbot Island discovered the skeletal remains of a man near the Duval and Nassau County line. No identification was found. Despite investigative efforts, the case went cold and stayed that way for 36 years. All the detectives had was a forensic sketch of what he may have looked like.
In 2024, JSO and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement submitted forensic evidence to Othram Labs in Texas. Scientists were able to build a DNA profile and through genetic genealogy testing, detectives located potential relatives. One of whom helped identify the man as her first cousin, Joseph Paul Connors, known as “Buddy.”
JSO's Cold Case Unit detectives recently met with Mr. Connors’ cousins and shared information. Mr. Connors was born in May 1937, served in the United States Navy, and worked for the United States Postal Service. No foul play is suspected in his death.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement facilitated the case being researched by Othram Labs, through grant funds from the Federal Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Missing and Unidentified Human Remains Program.
Watch the interview on
JSO's YouTube Channel.