Decades-old Florida murder victim finally identified through advanced DNA testing and forensic genealogy

Marine's Murder Victim Identified More Than 43 Years After Death

Advanced DNA testing and forensic genealogy have led to the identification of the remains of William Irving Monroe III, a United States Marine who served in Vietnam, more than 43 years after his body was first discovered in northern Florida. The identification was announced by Putnam County Sheriff Homer "Gator" DeLoach during a news conference on Friday. This breakthrough sheds new light on a case that had long remained unresolved.

The Discovery

Monroe's body was found dead and partially buried in a hole in December 1980 in Pomona Park, located about 60 miles from Gainesville. At the time of the discovery, the victim was originally determined to be a white man standing about 5 feet 6 inches tall. The medical examiner found that he had sustained a gunshot wound to the neck, blunt force trauma to the chest, and a hairline fracture at the base of his skull, according to Sheriff DeLoach. The case was immediately investigated as a homicide, but authorities struggled to make progress as Monroe's identity remained unknown, despite collecting hair and skin samples.

The Victim's History

Monroe, a father of two, was last seen alive on November 15, 1980, and is believed to have died two or three weeks before his body was found. He had ties to Putnam County, with speeding tickets confirming his presence in the area throughout the decade leading up to his murder. However, Monroe had not been in contact with family members for some time, and his whereabouts were unknown to his relatives.

New Clues

A crucial breakthrough in the investigation occurred in 2023 when Captain Chris Stallings of the sheriff's office resubmitted evidence samples collected in 1980 for testing. These tests allowed authorities to connect with Monroe's relatives, and it was his brother, Richard, who agreed to the final DNA test that confirmed the victim's identity.

Family's Closure

Putnam County Sheriff's Office expressed empathy for Monroe's family, acknowledging the bittersweet nature of the revelation. The family had long operated under the assumption that Monroe had been missing and possibly murdered in the Virgin Islands. The identification of Monroe's remains provides closure and the opportunity for the family to properly memorialize him.

Continued Efforts

While the identification of Monroe's remains is a significant development, it may only be one piece of the puzzle as authorities continue their efforts to identify his killer. The Putnam County Sheriff's Office has urged anyone with information related to Monroe's case to come forward and report what they know to Captain Stallings and his investigative team. Additionally, Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information and can provide further details about the reward to potential tip providers.

Note: This article was written by Emily Mae Czachor, a reporter and news editor at CBSNews.com, covering breaking news with a focus on crime and extreme weather.