Jerry A Mikkelson, Missing South Dakota Man, Identified as Victim in 30-Year-Old Murder Case

Police – Accident – Death – Obituary News : South Dakota Man Missing for 30 Years Identified as Victim in Murder Case

Sioux Falls, South Dakota – In a shocking turn of events, a South Dakota man who had been missing for 30 years has been identified as the victim in a murder case. Jerry A Mikkelson, who disappeared in 1983 at the age of 24, was reported missing by a family member on August 8 of that year.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office in South Dakota took to Facebook on November 7 to provide an update on the case. According to the press release, Mikkelson’s body was discovered on October 18, 1987, on a Forest Service Road located 15 miles north of Walden and five miles from the Wyoming border.

The press release further stated that Mikkelson was wearing a vest with the initials L.B.L written on a tag inside. Through the use of Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) and other advancements in technology, Mikkelson has finally been identified as the victim of the 1987 male homicide case.

Authorities revealed that Mikkelson’s remains were exhumed earlier this year on June 28, 2023, by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Colorado Bureau of Investigations (CBI), and the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigations (DCI). This led to the discovery of new DNA samples and a surgical titanium rod in Mikkelson’s right femur. The presence of the rod helped investigators identify the victim, as Mikkelson’s family confirmed he had broken his femur in the past.

Additionally, soil samples found in Mikkelson’s hair indicated that he was likely murdered in Wyoming before his body was brought to Colorado.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, CBI, and DCI have been working closely together to identify Mikkelson as the victim in this cold case. They are now urging members of the public to come forward with any information that could assist in their investigation into the homicide.

According to the press release, Mikkelson willingly left his home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on August 8, 1983. It is believed that he spent time in Pittsburgh, PA, Olathe, KS, Wyoming, and possibly Colorado. Mikkelson was born on August 12, 1963, and was described as 5’9″ tall and weighing about 160 lbs at the time of his disappearance. He had brown eyes and brown hair with a naturally curly/wavy texture.

Anyone with information about Mikkelson or the homicide is urged to submit a tip to [email protected] or leave a message on the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 970-875-7069.

This shocking revelation has brought closure to Mikkelson’s family after three decades of uncertainty. As the investigation continues, authorities are hopeful that new leads will emerge, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding Mikkelson’s tragic death.

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..