Author Topic: PASCAGOULA JOHN DOE: WM, 25-36, found in Pascagoula, MS - 18 June 2001  (Read 462 times)

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http://www.gulflive.com/news/mississippipr...64157105850.xml

New leads in county murder case

Saturday, July 24, 2004
By JOHN SURRATT

PASCAGOULA -- Jackson County sheriff's investigators have generated some new leads in their probe into the death of an unidentified man whose body was found on Old Stage Road three years ago.

According to information from county authorities, the new leads involve a possible suspect and DNA evidence that is being processed to go to the Mississippi State Crime Lab. Investigators hope the DNA evidence will lead to an arrest in the case.

"The deceased has family or friends somewhere, and not only does he deserve to be identified, but his killer or killers need to be brought to justice," sheriff's investigator Capt. Mick Sears said.

"We've continued to work this case, checking out a lead here and a lead there," Sheriff Mike Byrd said. "Hopefully, everything will come together soon and we'll have a suspect in custody."

The man's body was found on June 18, 2001, wrapped in a carpet remnant and a blanket on the side of the road by a passerby who was walking along the road. No identification was found with the body.

The unidentified man is described as a middle-aged white or Hispanic man, 5 feet 512 inches tall and weighing about 250 pounds. His hair was shaved close to the head and described as dark brown with a small amount of gray.

He had several tattoos, including a tattoo of the name "John" on the right chest, a tattoo of a large bird, possibly a peacock or phoenix on his right shoulder and back and a tattoo of an old English E or F on the left inside forearm.

"We have collected DNA samples from the carpet and blanket that wrapped the victim's body," sheriff's investigator Ken McClenic said. "We believe the carpet and blanket came from the suspect's house and we hope the DNA we found at the scene will match the same location where the suspect lives."

After the body was found, sheriff's investigators published a composite drawing of the man and photographs of his tattoos and contacted agencies in other states about missing persons reports in hopes of finding the man's identity.

Authorities said they are again appealing to the public for any information they may have that could assist them in identifying the man and lead to an arrest in the case.

Anyone with information about the man or the case should call the sheriff's department at 228-769-3063, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-433-TIPS. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for any information leading to an arrest in the case.

Reporter John Surratt can be reached at 228-9341427 or jsurratt@themississippipress.com.