Breaking News:

UTAH

DNA sequencing identifies remains in 30 year cold case

Dec 7, 2024, 10:01 AM

Alstrom Point in Kane County....

Alstrom Point in Kane County. (Kane County Sheriff's Office)

(Kane County Sheriff's Office)

KANAB — Investigators have identified the remains of a man that were found in Kane County more than 30 years ago, solving a cold case.

The Kane County Sheriff’s Office identified James Howard Conklin, born in 1950, as the man whose remains were found by hikers near Big Water in February of 1994.

Lt. Alan Alldredge with the Kane County Sheriff’s Office said numerous attempts were made to identify the remains over the years, and their department submitted DNA into national databases for missing persons, but attempts were all unsuccessful.

Despite extensive efforts by law enforcement investigators to identify the subject, the case went cold for 30 years,” Alldredge said.

Then, in 2024: A breakthrough.

The latest technology

This year, Kane County detectives and the Utah Medical Examiners Office sent evidence to Orthram DNA Laboratory in Texas, Alldredge said. Scientists there were then able to develop a “DNA extract” that they used to create a “comprehensive DNA profile” for the unidentified man.

With a DNA profile also came the possibility to track down relatives.

“Ultimately the DNA and genealogy provided new leads to Kane County Sheriff’s Detectives,” Alldredge said.

With this new information, a new investigation followed. Detectives were able to make contact with a man they believed might be the son of the unidentified man. Investigators took a DNA sample from the son and compared the two — and it turned out they were right. Police were then finally able to contact the victim’s family and give them updates about the case.

Alldredge said evidence suggests Conklin died sometime after May of 1988. Authorities believe Conklin was homeless at the time of his death and had been seen in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Despite identifying the man, the investigation is still ongoing. It was not immediately clear if investigators suspected foul play in Conklin’s death. Alldredge asked anybody with information about Conklin to call Kane County Sheriff’s Office at 435-644-2349, or email them at comm@kane.utah.gov.

Read the full story at KSLTV.com

Related

Arrest made in 1972 murder cold case

59-year-old Logan cold case solved

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Utah

Gov. Cox signs union bill into law...

Becky Bruce

Gov. Cox signs union bill into law, despite protests

Gov. Spencer Cox signed HB267, also known as the union bill, which would ban collective bargaining agreements for government employees.

4 hours ago

Multiple groups are saying the federal employee layoffs are likely to have impacts on Utah, especia...

Heather Peterson

Federal employee layoffs likely to impact Utah’s national parks

Multiple groups are saying the federal employee layoffs are likely to have impacts on Utah, especially in the state's national parks.

6 hours ago

FILE - Police Chief Mike Brown and Mayor Erin Mendenhall providing an update on the "Crime Preventi...

MICHAEL HOUCK AND BRIAN CARLSON, KSL TV

Mayor Mendenhall says she forced SLCPD Chief Brown to resign

The mayor of Salt Lake City confirmed that it was her decision to make the city’s police chief step down.

7 hours ago

FILE - Utah Capitol building. Utah lawmakers begin 2025 session. Utah Legislature is again in sessi...

Adam Small

Utah lawmakers opt not to vote on bill that would make it easier for child case workers to obtain warrants

Utah lawmakers opted not to vote on HB83, a bill that would have made it easier for case workers to obtain search warrants.

9 hours ago

Five people were injured in a crash on Trappers Loop on Friday....

Kennedy Camarena

5 people injured, 1 critically in crash on Trappers Loop

Five people were injured after being involved in a crash on Trappers Loop on Friday.

11 hours ago

Image of new single family homes under construction in the South Jordan area of the Salt Lake Valle...

Simone Seikaly

Lawmaker looks toward Utah Inland Port, other development, to ease Utah housing crunch

Utah Senate Majority Leader Kirk Cullimore looks to the Utah Inland Port for answers to Utah's housing issues.

13 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Filing taxes online using a computer...

The Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Tax time is approaching. What to do if you have debilitating IRS debt

Is the IRS threatening you with wage garnishment, asset seizure or business closure? Here are some ideas to resolve your tax dilemma.

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

DNA sequencing identifies remains in 30 year cold case