In 1992, a discovery was made in the Ocala National Forest that remains a mystery to this day. Skeletal remains were found near the Juniper Springs Recreational Area, and despite ongoing efforts, the identity of the deceased remains unknown.
Investigators estimate the man was under 30 years old at the time of his death, stood approximately 5’11”, and weighed around 160 lbs. He had brown hair, a slight overbite, and a condition called occult Spina Bifida. His death was ruled a suicide, and a .38 caliber Charter Arms revolver was found nearby.
Several personal items were found with the remains, providing potential clues to his identity. These included a shaving kit, a blue Adidas nylon tote bag, a hairbrush, a zippered gun pouch, and roll-on deodorant dated September 1991.
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The man was wearing Docker pants and Hanes underwear (size 32-inch waist), a Levi jacket, and Nike Air sneakers (size 10 or 11). He was also found with two distinctive t-shirts: one with a picture of a sailboat and the text “Rum Runners Bermuda,” and another featuring “Miami Vice” characters.
A facial reconstruction has been completed in hopes of jogging someone’s memory. Images of the reconstruction, along with the sunglasses found on the body and a photo of the “Rum Runners Bermuda” t-shirt, are available to the public.
The man’s DNA was submitted to NamUs, the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, on October 16, 2009.
Key Details:
- Location: Juniper Springs Recreational Area, Ocala National Forest, Marion County, Florida
- Year of Discovery: 1992
- Estimated Age: Under 30 years old
- Height: Approximately 5’11”
- Weight: Around 160 lbs
- Hair Color: Brown
- Distinguishing Features: Slight overbite, occult Spina Bifida (a birth defect of the spinal cord)
- Cause of Death: Ruled a suicide
- DNA: Submitted to NamUs (National Missing and Unidentified Persons System) on 10/16/2009
Items Found:
- .38 caliber Charter Arms revolver (“Off Duty 38 Special”)
- Shaving kit
- Blue Adidas nylon tote bag
- Hairbrush
- Zippered gun pouch
- Roll-on deodorant (dated September 1991)
Clothing:
- Docker pants (32-inch waist)
- Hanes underwear (32-inch waist)
- Levi jacket
- Two t-shirts (size medium):
- One with a sailboat and the text “Rum Runners Bermuda”
- One with “Miami Vice” characters
- Sunglasses
- Nike Air sneakers (size 10 or 11)
Read: Nearly 30-Year-Old Tampa Cold Case Solved, Remains Identified: Hillsborough County Sheriff
Can You Help?
If you recognize this man or have any information that could help identify him, please contact the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 352-732-9111 and reference case #92033018. Even the smallest detail could be crucial in bringing closure to his family.
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