TX TX - Tom Green Co, WhtMale 23-30, UP3670, Bag w/"Wayne Rudd, Austin, TX...", clothes, boots, Dec'96

[Gardener1850]

Investigators hope science can help identify San Angelo's two 'John Does'

In San Angelo, the two men found here have remained nameless for over two decades, despite the efforts of the CID team.

One of them has been graced with the nickname “White Socks” – because of the pure white socks he was wearing when his body was discovered. The other man is known simply as John Doe 2.

John Doe 2 is also waiting on a facial reconstruction after being delivered to the Department of Public Safety in 2013.

Found in a pasture in northern Tom Green County on Dec. 6, 1996, John Doe 2 appeared to have been there for about three weeks, investigators said. His cause of death was classified as “misadventure,” Lowe said, explaining that the term, usually used in the military, can be used explain when people intentionally do something that they don’t anticipate will result in death, but does – like jumping off a tall structure to show off, but actually injuring yourself fatally.

John Doe 2 died from drinking antifreeze, although the motivation, like his identity, is unknown. Aside from the 2-liter Coca-Cola bottle filled with antifreeze, investigators pointed out the inside-out clothing scattered near him as proof that he died from ethylene glycol poisoning, because people often undress as their body temperature rise.

Although partially decomposed when he was found, investigators did not find any sign of external trauma to his body, leading Lowe and Fiveash to speculate that he drank the antifreeze willingly.

“He was camping, like a homeless-person type camping,” Lowe said. Found with a green sports bag, brand ‘Outdoor Products’, “Wayne Rudd, Austin, TX. and Damn Proud of it” was handwritten on it.

This case summary lists the only details known about the life of Tom Green County's John Doe 2. (Photo: Krista Johnson)

Lowe said he's called several people with the last name Rudd, asking if they have any missing family members.

“There’s been extensive searches done on Rudd but didn’t find anything,” Lowe said, adding that “the bag could have came from anywhere.”

A white male, in his mid-to-late 20s, with short to medium-length brown hair that had potentially bleached ends, the case summary states that John Doe 2 “appeared to have good grooming habits and his hair appeared to be well cared for.”

Weighing between 130-150 pounds and being 5’10 or 5’11, medical examiners described his build as “fragile or dainty.”

He had small ears, the summary states.

Clothing found at the scene included Bahama brand hiking boots, size 7.5; a Roundtree and Yorke brand maroon-and-white pullover sweatshirt; and a pair of light blue Levi's 550 relaxed fit button-fly jeans with tapered legs, size 31x34.

His belongings, aside from the Rudd bag, included a pack of light cigarettes, brand GPC; cans of Cougar snuff; and Crest toothpaste.

The reason why the facial reconstructions for both men are taking so long, Lowe and Fiveash explained, is because cold cases are pushed to the back of the line at the labs, where active murder investigations take precedence.

This, however, isn’t the case for labs relating to Shane and Sally, because their homicides have been placed on the state’s top unsolved cases.

https://www.gosanangelo.com/story/n...identify-san-angelos-two-john-does/599225002/

 

[Gardener1850]

NAMUS: https://identifyus.org/en/cases/3670

 

[MadMcGoo]

Nicholas Vincent Smith would have been a tad bit younger than this Doe is estimated to be, which makes it a little difficult to compare height and weight... but the small ears really seem to match. Going based on my theory that Nicholas’ mother is (as I’ve lovingly named her) Double Doe 7, who was found in Weatherford, Texas (likely suicide), this could be a similar scenario.

146DMNM - Nicholas Vincent Smith

 

[Melt71]

There is a 28 July 2018 link at TomGreenCountySheriff.org
"On the outside of the upper flap of the backpack the words, "Wayne Rudd Austin, TX. And damn proud of it!" were handwritten in dark marker. Leads related to Texas men with the name Wayne Rudd, or variations of such, have been explored over the years without positive results."
I can't see any further as the link to the full article is dead.

 

[jexpar]

New article on this UID. He has now been unidentified for 24 years.

He’s known as ‘John Doe II’: December 2, 2020 marks 24 years since an unidentified man’s remains were found in Tom Green County | ConchoValleyHomepage.com

 

[Al Ka]

New article on this UID. He has now been unidentified for 24 years.

He’s known as ‘John Doe II’: December 2, 2020 marks 24 years since an unidentified man’s remains were found in Tom Green County | ConchoValleyHomepage.com

He’s known as ‘John Doe II’: December 2, 2020 marks 24 years since an unidentified man’s remains were found in Tom Green County

“It’s been 24 years today since they found John Doe II, as we refer to him, in the northern part of Tom Green County. He’s remained unidentified all these years,” Lt. Terry Lowe with the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office said.

The evidence shows that while John Doe II was found on December 2, 1996, he had been deceased around three weeks before his body was discovered.

“At the time of the death he was estimated to between the ages of 28 and 50 and approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall with a slight frame. His hair was medium brown or possibly red, but it’s possible the lightened appearance may be from exposure to the sun before the body was discovered,” Lt. Lowe said.
---
The remains were sent to a lab for an autopsy and nothing pointed to foul play. In fact, hypothermia was suspected to be the cause of death.
---
“I talked to the Center for Human Identification in reference to this case and sent pictures from the scene and they noted that the clothes were inside out and they said that’s a sign of someone suffering hypothermia because the person feels like he’s hot and in a frenzy takes off their clothes and it’s inside out but they’re not, they’re actually cold,” Lt. Lowe said.

 

[Al Ka]

Few things with regards to newest article: Date of him being found is now noted as December 2 and not 6 as it was originally stated in older articles. Namus also state Dec 2. His age estimation has been changed as well from previously being mid-to-late 20s to now 28 to 50 years old. No 2-liter Coca-Cola bottle filled with antifreeze mentioned at all. I have to check as well what is Cougar snuff he had with him.

I find antifreeze detail quite odd. Why would you take 2 liters of antifreeze with you to go camping if there is no car? Is it used for anything else (apart of people killing each other with it)?

 

[Valiant]

Cougar snuff is a smokeless tobacco, a brand that seems to have been around for quite some time. Snuff is similar to chewing tobacco in that you place it in your mouth and spit out the tobacco juice, only snuff is a more compact form and not chewed.
Brands

 

[Al Ka]

Just adding location where he was found - in a pasture in the northern part of Tom Green County near the northeast bank of O.C. Fisher Lake.

Unsolved Crimes - Odessa Crime Stoppers

 

[Schmurm]

The best potential match I can find is Brian Keith Montel. He disappeared in 1986 from Fresno, CA. 613DMCA - Brian Keith Montel
Brian had some physical and mental challenges. He only had one hand. Without seeing the autopsy report we don't know if the John Doe had both hands. Since the remains were out in the wild for a few weeks, it's likely coyotes and other animals had an effect on what was found.
The DNA Doe Project did analysis which showed the Doe had genes from South America. That would be similar to Montel's genetics.
I have reported the match to Tom Green County.
Maybe the DNA Doe Project with solve this one soon.

 

[djanga]

The best potential match I can find is Brian Keith Montel. He disappeared in 1986 from Fresno, CA. 613DMCA - Brian Keith Montel
Brian had some physical and mental challenges. He only had one hand. Without seeing the autopsy report we don't know if the John Doe had both hands. Since the remains were out in the wild for a few weeks, it's likely coyotes and other animals had an effect on what was found.
The DNA Doe Project did analysis which showed the Doe had genes from South America. That would be similar to Montel's genetics.
I have reported the match to Tom Green County.
Maybe the DNA Doe Project with solve this one soon.

The DNA Doe Project as far as know does not work on this case. They work on a different case in the same county, this thread is dedicated to the Doe found in 1996 and the other Doe was found in the Nov 1987:

TX - TX - San Angelo, Hisp/WhtMale, 17-21, "White Socks", Twin Buttes Lake, Nov'87

 

[Schmurm]

The DNA Doe Project as far as know does not work on this case. They work on a different case in the same county, this thread is dedicated to the Doe found in 1996 and the other Doe was found in the Nov 1987:

TX - TX - San Angelo, Hisp/WhtMale, 17-21, "White Socks", Twin Buttes Lake, Nov'87

Ok. The search took me here and I didn't notice it was the wrong case.

 

[Schmurm]

The best potential match I can find is Brian Keith Montel. He disappeared in 1986 from Fresno, CA. 613DMCA - Brian Keith Montel
Brian had some physical and mental challenges. He only had one hand. Without seeing the autopsy report we don't know if the John Doe had both hands. Since the remains were out in the wild for a few weeks, it's likely coyotes and other animals had an effect on what was found.
The DNA Doe Project did analysis which showed the Doe had genes from South America. That would be similar to Montel's genetics.
I have reported the match to Tom Green County.
Maybe the DNA Doe Project with solve this one soon.

Sorry this info is for another Tom Green County John Doe from 1987.

 

[imstilla.grandma]

The above image represents the victim's probable appearance at time of death.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Tom Green County Sheriff's Office are seeking the public's assistance in identifying a man whose remains were discovered in December 1996 in Tom Green County. Investigators estimate that the man died in the beginning of November 1996. The cause of death is unknown.

On Dec. 2, 1996, the man's body was found in a pasture in the northern part of Tom Green County near the northeast bank of O.C. Fisher Lake. Based on multiple forensic analyses, the man is believed to be Caucasian, although mixed Hispanic descent should not be ruled out.

A DPS Texas Rangers' forensic artist was able to develop a facial reconstruction image (pictured above) from the skull of the decedent. At the time of his death, he was estimated to be between the ages of 28 and 50, and approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall with a slight frame. His hair was medium-brown or possibly red, although its lightened appearance may have been due to sun exposure before the body was discovered. The hairstyle and length depicted in the facial rendering is an exact likeness to the victim's hair at time of death.

A DNA profile has been developed from the bones recovered; however, no connections have been made to any known missing person case. It is possible this man was never officially reported missing.

Items found with the victim's remains include:

• White socks and Brahma-brand hiking boots (size 7 ½ )
• Light-blue Levi's-brand 550 relaxed-fit, button-fly jeans with a 31-inch waist, 34-inch length
• A Roundtree and Yorke-brand burgundy pullover sweatshirt (size large)
• An open package of GPC-brand cigarettes
• A green Outdoor Products-brand backpack containing cans of Cougar-brand snuff and assorted toiletries
• On the outside of the upper flap of the backpack the words, "Wayne Rudd Austin, TX. And damn proud of it!" were handwritten in dark marker. Leads related to Texas men with the name Wayne Rudd, or variations of such, have been explored over the years without positive results.

DPS, Tom Green County Sheriff's Office Seek Information About Unidentified Deceased Man | Department of Public Safety

www.dps.texas.gov

likeness.”

Case Number: U9612001
Agency: TOM GREEN CO SO SAN ANGELO
Date Found: 12/02/1996
Estimated Date of Death: 11/01/1996
Cause of Death: Unknown
Race: White
Age: 28 - 50
Height: 5' 09" - 6' 00"
Eye Color: Unknown
Sex: Male

Weight: 130 lbs. - 150 lbs.
Hair Color: Brown
City Found: Unknown
County Found: TOM GREEN
State Found: Texas
Country Found: USA


Description:
The decedent was located in a pasture in the northern part of the county near the northeast bank of O.C. Fisher Lake. He is believed to be Caucasian, although Hispanic admixture should not be ruled out. He had wavy hair, a slight build, and small ears. Hairstyle and length depicted in the facial rendering is representative of victim’s exact hair at time of death. Items of clothing found near the remains were a “Roundtree and Yorke”-brand burgundy pullover sweatshirt (size large), light-blue “Levi’s”-brand 550 relaxed-fit, button-fly jeans (size 31” x 34”), white socks, and “Brahma”-brand hiking boots (size 7-1/2). An open package of “GPC”-brand cigarettes was on the ground near the body. A green “Outdoor Products”-brand backpack at the scene contained cans of “Cougar”-brand snuff and assorted toiletries. On the outside of the upper flap of the backpack was handwritten in dark marker: “Wayne Rudd Austin, TX. And damn proud of it!”

Additional Pictures​

Date Picture Updated: 7/11/2018
“Brahma”-brand work boots

You can contact the Missing Persons Clearinghouse at:

Missing Persons Clearinghouse
Texas Department of Public Safety
P O Box 4087
Austin, Texas 78773-0422
Phone: (512) 424-5074
Helpline: (800) 346-3243

TxDPS Missing and Unidentified Persons Online Bulletin

Texas Missing Persons Clearinghouse Online Bulletin, Browse photos and searchable bulletins of missing persons, abductors, and unidentified persons, a central repository for information and pictures of missing and unidentified persons in Texas.

www.dps.texas.gov

*I‘m a bit confused about the dates. I hope this is the correct thread. Apologies in advance if I got them wrong…

 

[Schmurm]

The above image represents the victim's probable appearance at time of death.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Tom Green County Sheriff's Office are seeking the public's assistance in identifying a man whose remains were discovered in December 1996 in Tom Green County. Investigators estimate that the man died in the beginning of November 1996. The cause of death is unknown.

On Dec. 2, 1996, the man's body was found in a pasture in the northern part of Tom Green County near the northeast bank of O.C. Fisher Lake. Based on multiple forensic analyses, the man is believed to be Caucasian, although mixed Hispanic descent should not be ruled out.

A DPS Texas Rangers' forensic artist was able to develop a facial reconstruction image (pictured above) from the skull of the decedent. At the time of his death, he was estimated to be between the ages of 28 and 50, and approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall with a slight frame. His hair was medium-brown or possibly red, although its lightened appearance may have been due to sun exposure before the body was discovered. The hairstyle and length depicted in the facial rendering is an exact likeness to the victim's hair at time of death.

A DNA profile has been developed from the bones recovered; however, no connections have been made to any known missing person case. It is possible this man was never officially reported missing.

Items found with the victim's remains include:

• White socks and Brahma-brand hiking boots (size 7 ½ )
• Light-blue Levi's-brand 550 relaxed-fit, button-fly jeans with a 31-inch waist, 34-inch length
• A Roundtree and Yorke-brand burgundy pullover sweatshirt (size large)
• An open package of GPC-brand cigarettes
• A green Outdoor Products-brand backpack containing cans of Cougar-brand snuff and assorted toiletries
• On the outside of the upper flap of the backpack the words, "Wayne Rudd Austin, TX. And damn proud of it!" were handwritten in dark marker. Leads related to Texas men with the name Wayne Rudd, or variations of such, have been explored over the years without positive results.

DPS, Tom Green County Sheriff's Office Seek Information About Unidentified Deceased Man | Department of Public Safety

www.dps.texas.gov

likeness.”

Case Number: U9612001
Agency: TOM GREEN CO SO SAN ANGELO
Date Found: 12/02/1996
Estimated Date of Death: 11/01/1996
Cause of Death: Unknown
Race: White
Age: 28 - 50
Height: 5' 09" - 6' 00"
Eye Color: Unknown
Sex: Male

Weight: 130 lbs. - 150 lbs.
Hair Color: Brown
City Found: Unknown
County Found: TOM GREEN
State Found: Texas
Country Found: USA


Description:
The decedent was located in a pasture in the northern part of the county near the northeast bank of O.C. Fisher Lake. He is believed to be Caucasian, although Hispanic admixture should not be ruled out. He had wavy hair, a slight build, and small ears. Hairstyle and length depicted in the facial rendering is representative of victim’s exact hair at time of death. Items of clothing found near the remains were a “Roundtree and Yorke”-brand burgundy pullover sweatshirt (size large), light-blue “Levi’s”-brand 550 relaxed-fit, button-fly jeans (size 31” x 34”), white socks, and “Brahma”-brand hiking boots (size 7-1/2). An open package of “GPC”-brand cigarettes was on the ground near the body. A green “Outdoor Products”-brand backpack at the scene contained cans of “Cougar”-brand snuff and assorted toiletries. On the outside of the upper flap of the backpack was handwritten in dark marker: “Wayne Rudd Austin, TX. And damn proud of it!”

Additional Pictures​

Date Picture Updated: 7/11/2018
“Brahma”-brand work boots

You can contact the Missing Persons Clearinghouse at:

Missing Persons Clearinghouse
Texas Department of Public Safety
P O Box 4087
Austin, Texas 78773-0422
Phone: (512) 424-5074
Helpline: (800) 346-3243

TxDPS Missing and Unidentified Persons Online Bulletin

Texas Missing Persons Clearinghouse Online Bulletin, Browse photos and searchable bulletins of missing persons, abductors, and unidentified persons, a central repository for information and pictures of missing and unidentified persons in Texas.

www.dps.texas.gov

*I‘m a bit confused about the dates. I hope this is the correct thread. Apologies in advance if I got them wrong…

Here's a man missing from California since July 1996. He has those high nostrils like the reconstruction. Small build too.
Sherwin Rubin 1635DMCA - Sherwin Rubin

 

[Caring1]

November 23, 2023

Investigators found hiking boots, a sweatshirt, and jeans at the scene. There was also a pack of cigarettes, cans of snuff, toothpaste, and two Coca-Cola containers.

Some of the items were in a backpack, but what was handprinted on that backpack may be the most significant clue. In dark ink, "Wayne Rudd - Austin, Texas. Damn proud of it" was written on it.

Unidentified remains found in San Angelo in 1996 may have Austin connection

The Texas Rangers are still investigating an almost three-decades-old John Doe case from San Angelo. In this "Missing in Texas", FOX 7 Austin's Angela Shen looks at the case and its Austin connection.

www.fox7austin.com

 

[Friday Fan]

I don't see any birth records for a Wayne Rudd born in Texas, (There was one: but he had moved to Nebraska with parents from Kansas by 1950)

I see plenty with the middle name "Wayne" born between 1940 and 1965. (Texas has very open records)
A few have died. Some have marriage dates after this death date etc.

I think there are about 10 or so with the middle name "Wayne", that aren't confirmed dead or remarried.

Many have public address records that pop up in the 21st century, but I take those with a grain of salt.

Very likely if was born in Texas, it is more likely that his middle name is Wayne, than his first name.

 

[imstilla.grandma]

Following the release of a facial reconstructive drawing of the John Doe, investigators say the human remains could have ties to Austin.

A Texas A&M Research Center employee found human remains in San Angelo on December 2, 1996. Investigators discovered a pair of hiking boots, a sweatshirt, and jeans, as well as a backpack with cigarettes, cans of snuff, toothpaste, and two Coca-Cola containers, according to reporting from Fox 7 Austin.

"He told me he felt like it was a man that he had come into contact with several times, and he would give him drinks and chips to visit. We kind of felt bad for the person. I thought maybe he was homeless or that he might have had some mental issues," said Phyllis Benge, senior administrative coordinator at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center, in the report.

The possible Austin connection was made after officials found a hand-made printing in dark ink on the backpack. It read "Wayne Rudd - Austin, Texas. Damn Proud of it." While the Texas Rangers believe the John Doe may have been homeless and lived in Austin at some point, they could not find an ID on him, according to the report

https://www.lmtonline.com/news/local/article/san-angelo-texas-cold-case-18512118.php

 

[Friday Fan]

I don't see any birth records for a Wayne Rudd born in Texas, (There was one: but he had moved to Nebraska with parents from Kansas by 1950)

I see plenty with the middle name "Wayne" born between 1940 and 1965. (Texas has very open records)
A few have died. Some have marriage dates after this death date etc.

I think there are about 10 or so with the middle name "Wayne", that aren't confirmed dead or remarried.

Many have public address records that pop up in the 21st century, but I take those with a grain of salt.

Very likely if was born in Texas, it is more likely that his middle name is Wayne, than his first name.

ETA: Oops I had his estimated birthdate wrong. I rechecked using 1965-1975. Similar results. I don't think anyone born in Texas was given the first name "Wayne", but it was a middle name. (Or maybe I found one) I didn't look for the records after 1996 for a rule-out because I didn't have the time. Some Texas records are available through 2019 (marriage) on Ancestry, but not Family Search.

 

[rylie113]

Any thoughts on this doe being Roger Wallace Sheltrown? I find the nostrils and eyebrows to be similar; the height and build are there, and so is the wavy brown hair. Can't see his ears from the DL photo on Namus though.