After nearly five decades of mystery, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department investigators have successfully identified a man who was previously known only as John Doe. This breakthrough sheds light on a case that was once linked to notorious serial killer Randy Kraft, raising hopes of resolving a cold case that has remained unsolved for years.

The man has now been identified as Michael Ray Schlicht, a resident of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. His true identity has remained concealed since his body was discovered on September 14, 1974, near a trail in what is currently Aliso Viejo, previously known as unincorporated Laguna Hills. Schlicht’s remains were found by two individuals who were off-roading on a fire road, and investigators believe that he had passed away three to five days prior to the discovery.

Initially, it was suspected that Schlicht had died due to an accidental overdose of alcohol and diazepam. Despite public appeals and a thorough check of fingerprint records, attempts to identify him were unsuccessful. Consequently, Schlicht was laid to rest in an unmarked grave at El Toro Memorial Park, his identity remaining a mystery for nearly half a century.

The latest breakthrough brings forth the possibility that Schlicht may have been a victim of Randy Kraft, a notorious serial killer convicted in 1989 for 16 murders and currently serving his sentence on death row in San Quentin State Prison. Investigators draw this connection due to the striking resemblance between the circumstances of Schlicht’s demise and Kraft’s modus operandi, involving the use of alcohol and tranquilizers on his victims.

In a bid to unravel the mystery surrounding Schlicht’s identity, Orange County investigators sent tissue samples to Othram Laboratories, a renowned private forensic biotechnology company. The laboratory successfully generated a DNA profile from the samples, which was then uploaded into a genealogy database by the sheriff’s cold case team in February. This critical step allowed investigators to trace Schlicht’s family tree, leading them to his grandparents in October.

With the potential breakthrough in sight, investigators promptly reached out to a granddaughter, who revealed that she had not seen her brother since he was 17 years old in 1974. To confirm Schlicht’s identity, investigators traveled to Kansas City, Missouri, where they obtained a DNA sample from Schlicht’s mother. The subsequent analysis of the DNA sample provided conclusive evidence, confirming that Michael Ray Schlicht was indeed the man whose true identity remained unknown for 49 years.

While the identification of Schlicht is a significant breakthrough, investigators are now faced with the challenging task of determining who was responsible for his untimely demise. The investigation continues as authorities urge anyone with information to come forward and contact Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS. Anonymous tips will be gratefully received as the search for justice in this long-standing cold case intensifies.