Cold Case: The Unsolved Murder of Jerry Mikkelson

Accident – Death – Obituary News : New Technology Helps Identify Victim in 36-Year-Old Cold Case Homicide

DENVER (KDVR) — After 36 years of searching for answers, the sheriff’s office in Jackson County, Colorado has finally identified the victim in a cold case homicide. Thanks to new technology, the victim has been identified as Jerry Mikkelson, and investigators are now determined to find his killer.

The case dates back to August 8, 1983, when the 24-year-old Mikkelson willingly left his home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Four years later, his remains were discovered, but at the time, he was labeled as a John Doe.

Mikkelson’s remains were found on a U.S. Forest Service road located 15 miles north of Walden and 5 miles from the Wyoming border. For over three decades, the case went cold until June 28 of this year, when Mikkelson’s remains were exhumed. With the help of new DNA samples and the discovery of a surgical titanium rod in his right femur, the unidentified body was confirmed to be Mikkelson. The rod in his leg was a result of a broken femur he had sustained six years prior to his death.

According to a missing persons report filed by a family member, it is believed that Mikkelson had spent time in Pittsburgh, Olathe in Kansas, Wyoming, and possibly Colorado.

Mikkelson was described as 5 feet 9 inches tall and approximately 160 pounds at the time of his disappearance. He had brown eyes and curly brown hair.

Now that the victim has been identified, investigators are urging anyone with information about Mikkelson or the homicide to come forward. Tips can be submitted to tips@jacksoncountyco.gov or by leaving a message on the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 970-875-7069.

The identification of Jerry Mikkelson highlights the progress that can be made in cold cases with advancements in technology. Law enforcement agencies are increasingly using DNA analysis and other forensic techniques to solve cases that have remained unsolved for decades.

In recent years, there have been numerous breakthroughs in cold cases across the country, giving hope to families and communities affected by these unsolved crimes. The use of genetic genealogy databases and the comparison of DNA samples has led to the identification and apprehension of suspects in cases that seemed impossible to solve.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is determined to bring justice to Jerry Mikkelson and his family after 36 years of uncertainty. They are urging the public to come forward with any information that may help solve this cold case homicide.

As investigations continue and new leads are pursued, the hope is that the killer will be identified and held accountable for their actions. The resolution of this case would not only bring closure to Mikkelson’s family but also serve as a testament to the power of perseverance and advancements in forensic technology.

Law enforcement agencies across the country continue to prioritize the resolution of cold cases, recognizing the importance of providing answers and closure to victims’ families. The identification of Jerry Mikkelson is a step forward in that effort, and investigators are determined to find the person responsible for his untimely death.

If you have any information about Jerry Mikkelson or the homicide, please contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. Your tip could be the missing piece of the puzzle that brings justice to a 36-year-old cold case..