Breakthrough: 43-Year-Old John Doe Homicide Victim in Orange County Finally Identified as Lonnie Raymond Thomas

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Breakthrough: 43-Year-Old John Doe Homicide Victim in Orange County Finally Identified

In a momentous breakthrough, authorities have at long last identified a John Doe homicide victim who was discovered 43 years ago in unincorporated North Orange County. This significant development has been made possible through the application of investigative genetic genealogy, which has unveiled the victim’s identity as Lonnie Raymond Thomas, a young man whose life was tragically cut short at the age of 20.

The story dates back to May 1980 when skeletal remains were unearthed near an oil well in Tonner Canyon, located in the unincorporated region close to the city of Brea. Initial investigations revealed that the victim was a black male, aged between 17 and 24, who had suffered a gunshot wound to the face. Despite numerous attempts over the years to uncover the identity of John Doe, the case remained shrouded in mystery, unsolved for decades.

However, in December 2021, a significant breakthrough occurred when the Sheriff’s Department received invaluable assistance from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Together, they embarked on a forensic investigative genetic genealogy project to finally unveil the victim’s identity.

In May 2022, John Doe’s remains were exhumed to obtain forensic specimens for genetic genealogy DNA analysis. The task of developing a DNA profile from the skeletal remains was entrusted to Othram, a private forensic biotechnology company, which successfully created a DNA profile.

This DNA profile was then submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigations Genealogy Team, which diligently pursued several leads. OC Sheriff investigators worked tirelessly to locate family members of John Doe, and after months of rigorous effort, they made contact with a woman in Compton, believed to be the mother of the unidentified victim.

In May 2023, using familial DNA samples, investigators definitively identified the decedent as Lonnie Raymond Thomas. This revelation has provided closure to Lonnie’s family and finally resolved the long-standing mystery surrounding John Doe’s identity.

Family members of Lonnie Raymond Thomas have been notified, and arrangements are currently underway for his reinterment this week. Additionally, OC Sheriff investigators have ordered a gravestone to commemorate his final resting place, ensuring that he is remembered and honored.

Now that the victim has been identified, the focus of the Sheriff’s Department investigators shifts to the homicide case. They are urging anyone with information related to this case to come forward and contact Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS or visit crimestoppers.org.

This breakthrough not only brings closure to Lonnie Raymond Thomas’ family but also highlights the power of investigative genetic genealogy in solving cold cases. The collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and organizations like NCMEC and Othram have proven instrumental in unraveling mysteries that have haunted communities for decades. As the investigation into the homicide case continues, authorities remain hopeful that justice will be served, and the truth behind Lonnie’s tragic demise will finally be brought to light..