Skeletal Remains Found in Massachusetts Identified as Homicide Victim Keith Olson After 38 Years

Accident – Death – Obituary News : FAIRHAVEN, Mass. – In a shocking turn of events, skeletal remains that were discovered nearly four decades ago along a Massachusetts highway have finally been identified through DNA as the victim of a homicide. The breakthrough comes as a result of a collaborative effort between a private laboratory in Texas and the FBI’s Investigative Genetic Genealogy team.

The story dates back to April 8, 1985, when a motorist traveling on Interstate 195 in Fairhaven made a startling discovery. The driver had pulled over in a westbound breakdown lane just beyond the Mattapoisett town lane, and while scanning the brush, spotted skeletal remains approximately 45 feet from the roadway. Upon further investigation, police and crime scene personnel were unable to find any information related to the identity of the deceased.

The skeletal remains were subsequently sent to the FBI lab in Washington, D.C., where tests revealed that the remains belonged to a man who had been killed within a few years prior to their discovery. Investigators also identified a pair of shoes found at the scene, which were manufactured in 1981. Despite these findings, attempts to use dental records and other means to identify the individual were unsuccessful, leaving investigators with limited leads.

In an effort to solve the case, investigators decided to create a facial reconstruction of the skull to recreate the man’s appearance prior to his death. A portrait of the reconstruction was distributed to the media with hopes of generating leads, but unfortunately, this too proved unsuccessful. As a result, the individual remained unidentified for the next 38 years.

However, through the tireless efforts of Bristol District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn and his “Unidentified Bodies Project,” a breakthrough finally occurred. The private laboratory in Texas teamed up with the FBI’s Investigative Genetic Genealogy team to analyze the remains. Using forensic genetic genealogy, the developed profile was compared to thousands of other DNA profiles, ultimately establishing a family tree and leading to a positive identification.

The remains have now been identified as those of Keith Olson, a 27-year-old native of Cranston, Rhode Island, who had been missing since April 1981. Olson was reportedly dating a woman at the time of his disappearance, which caused friction between him and John Broccoli, a North Providence resident who had previously been involved with the same woman. A witness to Olson’s disappearance described seeing two men escort him from his Cranston apartment. On the same day, Broccoli made cryptic statements to the woman, suggesting his possible involvement in the matter.

Tragically, Broccoli, also known as Michael Corleone, passed away in 2019 at the age of 63, leaving investigators with unanswered questions regarding Olson’s disappearance and murder. With the identification of the remains, authorities are now turning to the public for any information connected to the case. Police strongly believe that the crime was committed by at least two individuals and are hopeful that individuals with helpful information will come forward.

Anyone with information related to Keith Olson’s disappearance and murder is urged to contact Massachusetts State Police Detective Lt. Ann Marie Robertson at 855-627-6583.

This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Stay connected with Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. You can also watch Boston 25 News NOW.

©2023 Cox Media Group.