PA PA - Bedford, 'Mr. Bones' WhtMale 30-35, 585UMPA, 30-06 rifle, gold dental wk, camping equip, Oct'58

[chaddylex]

A new program to identify UIDs in Pennsylvania.

PA-MUHR

I just love this. I need to put a list together LOL Thanks for sharing the link!

 

[Magnum P.E.]

Bumping again for the umpteenth time
For Mr. Bones the skeletal guy
Found in the woods back in ‘58
Murder, suicide, or accidental fate?

 

[snooptroop88]

The 1955 disappearance of U.S. Navy veteran Dwane Roy Dreher : True Crime Diva

U.S. Navy veteran Dwane Roy Dreher, 33, disappeared on Nov. 7, 1955, after visiting his father in Mason City, Iowa.

truecrimediva.com

Glad to see Duwane Roy Dreher on here, he's my guess as well as I'm trying to move through all the past posts on this thread. Chicago's mentioned frequently in connection with the Dreher case. He served in WWII and I would guess was pretty well traveled in terms of continental US. His vehicle was found abandoned near a downtown creek in Mason City IA with a parking ticket.

Glad they ruled out Max Metcalf, I don't see how he could have reached what sounds like a pretty advanced state of decomposition in the time since he went missing and the time they found this Doe, but still glad to see they checked.

 

[snooptroop88]

Is Phillip Micknal mentioned yet? Missing May 28, 1952 Oklahoma City, 5'10" 165lbs. Left his car a few blocks from his home and hitchhiked to Dallas, was spotted months later at the upscale Adolphus Hotel. Born Minnesota, family eventually moved to Salem, Oregon, that seems to be mostly where he grew up. Served in WWII, 517th Parachute Regimental Combat Team. Living in Sacramento when he married, move to Oklahoma City. College/Oklahoma City University. Wife had filed for divorce before his disappearance from what I can see on Phillip Micknal's thread. May have been experiencing financial difficulties at time of disappearance.

The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)

By bringing people, information, forensic science and technology together, NamUs helps resolve cases.

www.namus.gov

Compared to Mr.Bones:

He looks an awful lot like him to me (with the exception of his ears). Phillip Micknal not listed on exclusions that I can see. He'd definitely be on the shorter end for this Doe, though, the range I saw for this Doe is 6'2"-6'6" est.

Also maybe a possibility, Carl Moody, has anyone mentioned him? Missing from San Francisco 1951, seeing on a source he's originally from Kentucky. 5'11" but on the lighter side at 140lbs. One version of events says he was treated at a KY hospital after car accident & disappeared from hospital in 1950. Another says he went missing from SF in 1951. Enlisted in military at the time he disappeared.

The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)

By bringing people, information, forensic science and technology together, NamUs helps resolve cases.

www.namus.gov

 

[Richard]

585UMPA

''585UMPA - Unidentified Male​

A rather strange anomaly can be seen in the above photos. While the aluminum mess kit found among Mr. Bones' camping supplies is new and unused (note the two cups still in paper wrappers), the backpack pictured separately appears to be an M-1910 army pack of World War One vintage, which was still in use at the start of World War Two. That model backpack had straps for attaching various other specific types of military equipment items. The smaller olive drab pouch pictured with the mess kit may have been attached to the backpack originally.

Certainly, if he was buying new camping equipment, there were more practical packs available for purchase. It is possible that he already had the backpack or was familiar with its use from prior experience.

Actual backpack found with Mr. Bones

Commercial Camping mess kit found with Mr. Bones. Still new in the wrapper. Note there is no scratching or blackening of the metal from cooking use.



Here is a clearer image of a different M-1910 Army Backpack with smaller "meat can" pouch attached at the top.

 

[Warwick1991]

A rather strange anomaly can be seen in the above photos. While the aluminum mess kit found among Mr. Bones' camping supplies is new and unused (note the two cups still in paper wrappers), the backpack pictured separately appears to be an M-1910 army pack of World War One vintage, which was still in use at the start of World War Two. That model backpack had straps for attaching various other specific types of military equipment items. The smaller olive drab pouch pictured with the mess kit may have been attached to the backpack originally.

Certainly, if he was buying new camping equipment, there were more practical packs available for purchase. It is possible that he already had the backpack or was familiar with its use from prior experience.

Actual backpack found with Mr. Bones

Commercial Camping mess kit found with Mr. Bones. Still new in the wrapper. Note there is no scratching or blackening of the metal from cooking use.



Here is a clearer image of a different M-1910 Army Backpack with smaller "meat can" pouch attached at the top.

The backpack is yet another piece of the puzzle that points to "Mr. Bones" identity as a probable veteran. The contact lenses are also very intriguing. They were expensive and unusual at the time.

My thought is that he had a vehicle, and that it was towed away or stolen. If that was the case, it is very unfortunate, because that would have led to his identity.

It's time for the Pennsylvania State Police to step up and utilize DNA for this case. There should be remains or possessions to test.

 

[Richard]

The backpack is yet another piece of the puzzle that points to "Mr. Bones" identity as a probable veteran. The contact lenses are also very intriguing. They were expensive and unusual at the time.

My thought is that he had a vehicle, and that it was towed away or stolen. If that was the case, it is very unfortunate, because that would have led to his identity.

It's time for the Pennsylvania State Police to step up and utilize DNA for this case. There should be remains or possessions to test.

I agree.

While this man was dressed in the clothes normally worn by a motorcycle guy, the amount and type of gear he had would indicate that he more likely had a car to transport it in. Such a car would have been parked at the nearby rest area on the west bound side of the highway. That car, if not stolen, would have been picked up by a tow truck under contract with the Pennsylvania State Police and towed to an impound lot for later public sale.

When this thread was started, the bones of this unidentified man were still maintained in an evidence locker by the State Police. DNA testing might have been done on them.

 

[Magnum P.E.]

A rather strange anomaly can be seen in the above photos. While the aluminum mess kit found among Mr. Bones' camping supplies is new and unused (note the two cups still in paper wrappers), the backpack pictured separately appears to be an M-1910 army pack of World War One vintage….

The unused cookware, backpack, and no known means of transportation to the site could theoretically be explained by a hasty trip to an Army-Navy Surplus Store followed by dumping the body, setting up a “campsite”, and getting out of Dodge.

Just spitballin’, no evidence for this.

This seems like an excellent case for forensic genealogy. Why they won’t do it is anybody’s guess.

 

[Richard]

The unused cookware, backpack, and no known means of transportation to the site could theoretically be explained by a hasty trip to an Army-Navy Surplus Store followed by dumping the body, setting up a “campsite”, and getting out of Dodge.

Just spitballin’, no evidence for this.

This seems like an excellent case for forensic genealogy. Why they won’t do it is anybody’s guess.

A number of factors point to this site being a staged scene, rather than an actual camping situation.

His clothing is not what a camper would normally be wearing. A leather coat is hot in warm weather and cold in cold weather. And other more appropriate items of camper clothing are missing from the site - like a hat, gloves, long underwear, etc. Take a look at any Boy Scout Handbook for a basic camping checklist and see what is on it. How many of those items were present and how many were missing?

Why would he need several boxes of .30-06 ammo at the camp site?? One box of 20 cartridges would be enough to carry into the woods for an overnight stay, leaving the rest in his car (if he had one). The army pack with all of its straps had only a small pouch for carrying items and a detachable pouch which contained the new, unused mess kit. What food items were found in the camp?

How was the rifle situated? Was it near the body and was there a fired cartridge case in the chamber? Was his head completely blown apart from a close range suicide shot? What was the orientation (entry and exit) of the shot that killed him?

There were a lot of items found at that camp site, but was it truly a camp site or just something staged to look like one - perhaps by someone who did not know camping?

 

[Richard]

In my previous post I made reference to a Camping Checklist which could be found in Boy Scout Handbooks. Here is a current list of that type which lists camping gear but not food. Compare what is suggested with what is known of Mr. Bones' campsite. Note in particular the last suggestion. If Mr. Bones had marked any of his gear he wouldn't be unidentified today.

Essential​

1. Tent: Reliable tent with rainfly, poles, and stakes.
2. Sleeping Bag: Appropriate for the season and temperature.
3. Sleeping Pad: For added comfort and insulation.
4. Cooking Equipment: Portable stove, pots, pans, and utensils (if not provided).
5. Water Bottles: At least 2 liters per day; consider a water purifier if needed.
6. Headlamp or Flashlight: Essential for nighttime activities.
7. Multi-tool or Pocket Knife: Useful for various tasks around the campsite.

Clothing​

• Hiking Boots/Shoes: Sturdy and broken-in for comfort.
• Clothing Layers: Include moisture-wicking base layers, insulating layers, and waterproof outer layers.
• Extra Socks: At least two pairs to keep your feet dry.
• Hat and Gloves: Depending on the weather conditions.
• Rain Gear: Lightweight poncho or rain jacket.

Personal​

• First Aid Kit: Basic supplies for minor injuries.
• Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, and personal hygiene items.
• Sunscreen and Insect Repellent: Protect against sunburn and bugs.
• Notebook and Pen: For journaling or taking notes during the trip.

Optional​

• Hammock: For relaxation during downtime.
• Camp Chair: For comfort around the campfire.
• Fishing Gear: If applicable and allowed.
• Games or Books: For entertainment during leisure.

Packing​

• Weight Management: Your backpack should weigh no more than 25% of your body weight. Aim for a total weight of 25-50 lbs for most Scouts.
  https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=0f5f...20vc2NvdXQtY2FtcGluZy1wYWNraW5nLWxpc3Qv&ntb=1
• Mark Your Gear: Permanently label your items with your name and troop number to avoid mix-ups.

LINK:

boy scout camping checklist - Bing

Intelligent search from Bing makes it easier to quickly find what you’re looking for and rewards you.

www.bing.com

 

[Warwick1991]

I think Mr. Bones may have had a car, which could serve as temporary shelter instead of a tent. But the equipment has had is odd, though. It may reflect inexperience instead of staging.

Always hoping for DNA in this case.

 

[Richard]

I think Mr. Bones may have had a car, which could serve as temporary shelter instead of a tent. But the equipment has had is odd, though. It may reflect inexperience instead of staging.

Always hoping for DNA in this case.

There are a number of different possible scenarios in regard to this case, some of which have been mentioned and discussed in past posts.

Here is one theoretical scenario that might explain some things. With all of his stuff, it is possible that he had a car. The fact that he had so much stuff in the woods at his campsite (and was not sleeping in his car) could mean that his car had broken down elsewhere and that someone gave him a ride to the large highway rest area.

It could have been his initial intent to eat at the restaurant there and get the service station to tow his car. Or maybe he tried calling someone to come and get him.

Having no car to sleep in, he took to the woods to sleep under the stars...

With so much unnecessary stuff, and so little normal camping equipment or food supplies at the site, his "camping" could have been something of an expedient or spur of the moment decision to wait for the morning.

 

[Richard]

Some answers from LE...

I got an interesting e-mail today from the Pennsylvania State Police investigator assigned to this cold case. I spoke with him by telephone and then sent him an e-mail containing many of the questions posed in this thread. In the interest of brevity, I include below only the questions to which he provided answers. Here is his response:

Thank you for your interest in this case. Most if not all the questions, you listed below have been looked at by different investigators over the years. Unfortunately, none of the leads provided identification. Regulations and time do not permit me to address all your questions however; I have made some comments below. After talking with you and reviewed the case I found some items that can be followed up. Military deserters were checked in 1958 without success. I plan to make another attempt at this. Thank you again for your suggestions.

The Body:
Q - What about the state of the remains? Reports indicate skeletal, but that the skeleton was mostly complete.
A - Very little flesh remained, most of the skeleton was recovered from the area.
Q - How was the body situated (face down or up, sitting, etc)?
A - The remains were scattered over a 40 foot area


It would be nice to know more accurately when this man died.
Q - How did police determine that it was between six months and two years prior?
A - The time of death is sometime during the spring of 1958. The estimated time of six months to two years was listed to generate as many leads as possible.

Q - Why does the Doenetwork posting now state only "in the 1950's?"
A - The source of information used by Doenetwork appears to be a news article from the Post Gazette

The Rifle and Ammunition:
Q - What was the make, model, and serial number of the rifle?
A - Model 721A

Q - To whom was the rifle sold in 1939? Was the origional owner ever located and questioned?
A - Dead end lead

Q - Was it in a condition to be fired when found or was it completely rusted?
A - Rusted

Q - Was it in military configuration - Or had it been sporterized/modified?
A - Not military


Comments on the books...

A- The Books: Research on the books was conducted by the FBI, which indicated the person with higher education, serious student of poetry, a teacher or graduate student in literature or related subject


Questions regarding The Brass Key (stamped "Active 195 Ave A"):
Q - Is this a door key?, a padlock key?, a mailbox key?
Q - Were thare any other markings on the key? Was it on a ring or chain?
Q - What make or pattern is it? (eg: a Cole, Dexter, Chicago, Schlage, Master, Quikset, etc.?)
Q - Is it an origional key, or a copy made on another company's blank?
Q - Is this a continuous stamping, that is all related, or is it stamped in several places, perhaps with different size numerals/letters?
Q - "Active" may be the name of the locksmith who made the key, or could be the name of a company that it was made for.
Q - "195" could be an address, and if so, is probably the address of the key maker. It could simply be a key code.
Q - What cities have an "Avenue A"? (Manhatten, NY - Bayone, NJ - Chicago east side - probably more)

Answers:
A - The key is a duplicate copied onto an Unger blank, cut by Active Locksmith, 195 Avenue A, New York City, NY

A - Keys of this type are used on some Segal 5-pin tumbler cylinder door locks, primarily mortised locks, night latches and deadbolt locks

A - No indications of heavy use or wear from key ring

This unsolved case thread was started here on Websleuths 20 years ago. Back in 2005, I contacted the lead investigator and case officer with a number of questions. Above is what I posted from his very informative response.

Note that he identified the rifle found with "Mr. Bones" as a Model 521A. This was a commercial (not military) hunting rifle made by Remington some time between 1948 (when that model was introduced) and Spring of 1957 when it was estimated that Mr. Bones died.

If the rifle's serial number or stamped barrel code were reported, the exact month and year of manufacture could be determined.

 

[Warwick1991]

Is anyone looking at DNA for the case?

 

[Richard]

Is anyone looking at DNA for the case?

DNA has been available in this case since it was first posted here on Websleuths. I believe that it has been compared to missing persons for potential matches a few times. However, I do not recall seeing a list of rule outs.

 

[MelmothTheLost]

DNA has been available in this case since it was first posted here on Websleuths. I believe that it has been compared to missing persons for potential matches a few times. However, I do not recall seeing a list of rule outs.

In that case they clearly have or know where the remains are, so if the existing DNA is not suitable for IGG purposes it should be fairly straight forward to take a new sample and resolve this case fairly quickly. One wonders why this has not be done.

 

[Magnum P.E.]

There are a number of different possible scenarios in regard to this case, some of which have been mentioned and discussed in past posts.

Here is one theoretical scenario that might explain some things. With all of his stuff, it is possible that he had a car. The fact that he had so much stuff in the woods at his campsite (and was not sleeping in his car) could mean that his car had broken down elsewhere and that someone gave him a ride to the large highway rest area.

It could have been his initial intent to eat at the restaurant there and get the service station to tow his car. Or maybe he tried calling someone to come and get him.

Having no car to sleep in, he took to the woods to sleep under the stars...

With so much unnecessary stuff, and so little normal camping equipment or food supplies at the site, his "camping" could have been something of an expedient or spur of the moment decision to wait for the morning.

Richard, the rest stop is on the Pennsylvania Turnpike and is within a fenced in limited access right of way. I assume it was the same back in Mr. Bones’s day. I never felt that he got to his campsite from the Turnpike. A half mile is a long way to schlep all that stuff. The area is much more accessible from Chalybeate Road, I visited the place a few years ago. I think that the Bedford Rest Stop was just used by the PSP as a convenient locator.
Of course I could be completely wrong and there was no fence then, and he DID drag all his stuff that far after being dropped off.
And if the campsite was fake, and he was killed elsewhere and left there, I could not imagine someone unloading a large body at a busy public rest stop with a hundred cars a minute going by, dragging it a half mile, then going back for his gear.
Anyone remember what Camp Chalybeate was? I think someone in Bedford told me it was a fishing camp (?) Been so long I can’t remember.
Could be a reason for someone not from the area to know about it.