The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has unveiled a new facial reconstruction photo in a bid to solve a cold case dating back to 1980. The skeletal remains of an unidentified black man were discovered near a canal south of Bunnell, Florida, on May 28, 1980.
The victim, estimated to be between 20-27 years old, around 5 feet, 6 inches to 5 feet, 7 inches tall, and weighing approximately 145 to 150 pounds, has remained unidentified for over four decades. DNA analysis conducted in December 2022 suggests he was predominantly of African origin with a partial European ancestry.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Imaging Unit assisted in developing the craniofacial reconstruction, based on the analysis. The reconstruction offers an approximate appearance of the victim and is not an exact depiction.
Despite efforts, the victim does not match any known missing persons cases from that period. Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly urges the public to assist in identifying the man, stating, “Someone knows him. Let’s give him a name so his family will know what happened.”
The Sheriff’s Office asks anyone with information to contact the FCSO Cold Case unit at SScalia@FlaglerSheriff.com or email TIPS@FlaglerSheriff.com. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through CrimeStoppers of Northeast Florida by calling 888-277-TIPS. The community’s assistance could be crucial in providing closure to a long-standing unsolved case.
