Ronnie Joe Kirk : “Madison Chimney Skeleton Identified After 35 Years – Investigators Solve Mystery”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Madison chimney skeleton identification
2. Cold case skeleton ID Madison

After over three decades, investigators have finally identified the skeletal remains found in a Madison chimney as Ronnie Joe Kirk. Questions still surround Kirk’s death, with the exact cause and time remaining unknown. Born in 1942 in Tulsa, Kirk’s upbringing and demise are shrouded in mystery. Advanced DNA technology was crucial in identifying Kirk, who had been known as “Chimney Doe.” Police are seeking information on Kirk’s time in Madison and his connections to Texas and Alabama. Tips can be submitted to Detective Lindsey Ludden as the investigation enters a new phase. Stay informed on the latest news by signing up for WPR’s email newsletter.

After more than three decades, investigators finally have a name to tie to a gruesome mystery that unfolded in the heart of Madison, Wisconsin. The skeletal remains found on Sept. 3, 1989, in the chimney of a Madison business have been identified as belonging to Ronnie Joe Kirk, Madison Police announced Monday.

But more questions remain in the death of Kirk, whose remains were discovered in the process of renovating a music shop nearly 25 years ago in the vibrant University Avenue area of Madison.

**The Discovery in Madison, Wisconsin**

Police unearthed a skeleton after the owner of the since-shuttered Good n’ Loud Music store on University Avenue spotted a skull that was visible through a pipe connecting the boiler to the building’s chimney. The discovery sent shockwaves through the community and left authorities puzzled about the identity of the deceased individual.

**Ronnie Joe Kirk’s Background**

Investigators now know Kirk was born in 1942 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and he was raised by genetic relatives who adopted him. But they still don’t know exactly how or when Kirk died, Madison Police Shon Barnes said. Valuable information may be gone, Barnes told reporters, making it challenging to determine the time of death due to the advanced state of decomposition of the remains.

**Tracing Kirk’s Steps**

Police shared Monday that Kirk was raised in the Tulsa area and had ties to Texas and Alabama. However, investigators are keen on uncovering more details about Kirk’s time in Madison and what brought him to the city. They are seeking the community’s help in piecing together Kirk’s journey, whether he worked, lived, or was just passing through Madison.

**Advancing DNA Technology Leads to Identification**

Thanks to advancing technology, investigators were able to use DNA from hair samples to identify the man who had come to be known as “Chimney Doe.” In a groundbreaking collaboration with the DNA Doe Project, Kirk’s identity was finally revealed after years of painstaking forensic analysis and genealogical research.

**Who was Ronnie Joe Kirk?**

Police disclosed Monday that Kirk was married and divorced twice, and he fathered children. But they declined to share further details, respecting his family’s privacy. Kirk’s remains were found without any form of identification, leading to speculation about his gender identity or expression based on the clothing found with the remains.

**Madison Detective Seeks Tips**

As the investigation enters a new phase, Madison Detective Lindsey Ludden is urging anyone with information about Kirk’s life to come forward. People can submit tips to Ludden, who is leading the investigation, at 608-229-8215 or via email at LLudden@cityofmadison.com. Ludden is open to all calls and input from individuals who may have shared a moment in time with Kirk, shedding light on his life in Madison.

In conclusion, the identification of Ronnie Joe Kirk after three decades marks a significant breakthrough in a long-standing mystery that has haunted the Madison community. The quest for answers continues as authorities delve deeper into Kirk’s past and seek closure for his family. With the community’s support and advancements in forensic technology, the truth behind Kirk’s untimely demise may finally come to light.