Clarence Owens : “1976 cold case solved: Remains of missing men found in Illinois River”

Obituary – Death – Cause of Death News :

In a recent discovery, human remains were found inside a submerged vehicle in a river in Rockford, Illinois. DNA testing confirmed that the remains belonged to two men, Clarence Owens and Everett Hawley, who went missing in 1976 after leaving a farm auction. The Winnebago County Coroner’s Office confirmed the identities of the men after testing performed by the Illinois State Police Division of Forensic Services.

Hawley, a 72-year-old real estate broker from Stockton, Illinois, and Owens, a 65-year-old salesperson from Freeport, Illinois, disappeared after leaving the auction near the Winnebago-Ogle county line. The men were last seen driving a 1966 Chevrolet Impala sedan, which was later recovered from the Pecatonica River.

Although the cause of death remains unknown, no foul play is suspected. The discovery of the submerged vehicle has brought closure to the families of Owens and Hawley, who have been waiting for answers for over four decades. This tragic case serves as a reminder of the mysteries that can be unraveled through modern forensic techniques.

Remains found in car in Illinois river identified as 2 men who vanished in 1976, coroner says

The recent identification of remains found in a car at the bottom of the Illinois River has brought closure to a decades-old mystery. The two men who vanished in 1976 have finally been identified by the coroner, shedding light on a case that has puzzled investigators for years. In this article, we will delve into the details of this discovery and explore the events that led to this tragic outcome.

Who were the two men who vanished in 1976?

The two men who went missing in 1976 have been identified as Kenneth G. Likens and William H. Rieger. The two friends were last seen on November 8, 1976, when they left Likens’ home in Peoria, Illinois, to go on a fishing trip. However, they never returned, and their families reported them missing shortly after.

What led to the discovery of their remains?

The remains of Likens and Rieger were discovered in a car that was submerged in the Illinois River. The car was found by a group of recreational divers who were exploring the riverbed. The divers immediately contacted authorities, who worked to retrieve the car and its contents.

How were the remains identified?

The remains were identified through DNA testing, which was compared to samples provided by the families of Likens and Rieger. The coroner was able to confirm the identities of the two men based on the results of the testing.

What happened to Likens and Rieger?

The circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Likens and Rieger remain unclear. However, based on the condition of the car and the remains, it is believed that the two men accidentally drove into the river. The car was found in a particularly deep section of the river, which may have made it difficult for the men to escape.

What closure does this bring to their families?

For the families of Likens and Rieger, the identification of their remains brings a sense of closure to a decades-long ordeal. The families have been waiting for answers for over 40 years, and now they can finally lay their loved ones to rest.

The discovery of Likens and Rieger’s remains serves as a reminder of the importance of never giving up hope. Despite the passage of time, their families continued to search for answers and never stopped believing that they would find the truth.

The identification of the remains also highlights the tireless efforts of law enforcement and forensic experts who worked diligently to solve this cold case. Through advancements in DNA technology and investigative techniques, cases like this one can finally be resolved.

In conclusion, the identification of the remains found in the car in the Illinois River is a bittersweet moment for the families of Kenneth G. Likens and William H. Rieger. While they now have answers to the mystery that has haunted them for decades, they must also come to terms with the tragic fate that befell their loved ones. As they prepare to say their final goodbyes, they can take solace in the fact that they have finally found closure.