Identified! SD - Pierre, WhtMale 30-50, UP11646, poss MT connection, "Jason's clothing", buckle w/L , Jul'76 - Stephen Earl Boice

[victoriarobinson642]

Great news

The NamUs page for this man has been removed

 

[ipa]

I hope we hear something about this case now that it's removed

 

[Justin537]

The Doe Network says he's been identified, but no word on who he was. They may just be closing his case because NamUs did. 3401UMSD

 

[LouLou74]

Technology helps solve 1976 South Dakota cold case

A mystery surrounding a man’s identity has been solved.

www.keloland.com

RIP Stephen Earl Boice

 

[victoriarobinson642]

Technology helps solve 1976 South Dakota cold case

A mystery surrounding a man’s identity has been solved.

www.keloland.com

RIP Stephen Earl Boice

The unknown man’s DNA profile was compared to results found in genetic genealogy databases.
The AG’s office says it resulted in a potential match for 39-year-old Stephen Earl Boice, whose last known address was Seattle, Washington.
Investigators obtained a fingerprint card that had been collected from Boice in the 1960s.
It was compared to the fingerprints from the body found in the water.
The South Dakota Forensic Lab determined both sets of fingerprints were made by the same person.

Rest in peace, Stephen.

 

[ipa]

Buckle initial L... no L to be found in his name?

 

[summergirl1]

https://drgnews.com/2023/05/10/advanced-technology-solves-46-year-old-missing-person-mystery-in-pierre-cemetery/

 

[summergirl1]

Body found in Missouri River 46 years ago identified

The body of a man found floating in the Missouri River has been identified after 46 years thanks to the diligent efforts of the South Dakota Attorney General's Office and

www.capjournal.com

 

[summergirl1]

One of those news stories said he lived a transient lifestyle, hopping on trains etc. That is not an uncommon background for a John Doe to have. The news stories also say that his death was definitely an accidental drowning. I'm not sure how that happened, but maybe it had something to do with alcohol? Just a guess. He wasn't dressed for swimming, although he may have been fishing. The photos shown of him appear to be mugshots? Maybe the initial L on the belt was for a clothing brand?

 

[LouLou74]

Buckle initial L... no L to be found in his name?

Maybe Lewis Buckle Co?

New Belt Buckle Maker Profile: Lewis Buckle Co., Inc.

Summary:Manufacturer/Artist: Lewis Buckle Co., Inc.Status: Defunct. Company was acquired in the early 1980s.Location: Palantine/Chicago, ILRelated companies: Great American Products (buyout)Style and Themes: Produced early copies of "Tiffany" buckles and then developed several series of original...

www.beltbucklehistory.com

 

[JurassicParker]

South Dakota cold case solved after 46 years

The man whose body was found in the Missouri River near Pierre in 1976 has been identified thanks to advances in forensic technology.

www.dakotanewsnow.com

 

[ipa]

Maybe Lewis Buckle Co?

New Belt Buckle Maker Profile: Lewis Buckle Co., Inc.

Summary:Manufacturer/Artist: Lewis Buckle Co., Inc.Status: Defunct. Company was acquired in the early 1980s.Location: Palantine/Chicago, ILRelated companies: Great American Products (buyout)Style and Themes: Produced early copies of "Tiffany" buckles and then developed several series of original...

www.beltbucklehistory.com

Looks like it might be. It serves as a good reminder to not get thrown off by names or initials on clothes or items.

Happy to see another one identified.