Decades-Old Cold Case Solved: Victim Found Submerged in Lake Identified as Clarence Lynn Wilson | Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office

Title: Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Identifies Victim in Decades-Old Cold Case

Introduction:
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office has made a significant breakthrough in a cold case that dates back to August 3, 1986. The victim, who was found submerged in Crater Lake and weighted down by cement blocks, has finally been identified as Clarence Lynn Wilson. This discovery marks a crucial step forward in the investigation, providing closure to the victim’s identity after almost forty years.

The Cold Case:
On that fateful day in 1986, witnesses noticed a human body partially submerged in Crater Lake, located in the Conroe area. Authorities were alerted, and upon retrieval, they found that the victim had been shot multiple times. The body was also weighted down by two cement cinder blocks attached to an electrical cord. Despite efforts made in 2015 to identify the victim through DNA extraction, the case remained unsolved until today.

The Victim:
Clarence Lynn Wilson, born on February 8, 1952, was positively identified as the victim. He had a last known address in Texas City, Texas. Described as a white male in his 20s or 30s, approximately 5’06” tall, and weighing 133 pounds, Wilson had distinctive features that included collar-length reddish-brown hair, decaying teeth, and tattoos. Notably, his tattoos displayed a small devil on his left lower arm, the name “Liz” on his left upper arm, and the words “Baby Dawn” on his right upper arm. He also had a pierced left earlobe and was last seen wearing a brown short-sleeve shirt, white athletic socks, and blue denim jeans.

The Breakthrough:
In May 2023, advancements in DNA technology played a crucial role in identifying Wilson. The remains were exhumed once again, and DNA was obtained specifically for Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG). Othram Lab in The Woodlands conducted a genealogy assessment, leading to the identification of a potential family member in California. Targeted DNA testing confirmed a familial match between the unknown remains and the family member, providing a breakthrough in the case.

Ongoing Investigation:
The Homicide investigation into Clarence Lynn Wilson’s death is currently ongoing. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Squad is urging anyone with information regarding Clarence or the circumstances surrounding his death to come forward. They can contact the Cold Case Squad at 936-760-5820 or Multi-County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-392-STOP [7867].

Conclusion:
As authorities continue to piece together the events leading to Wilson’s tragic demise, this breakthrough serves as a testament to the relentless pursuit of justice. The identification of the victim brings hope that the investigation will uncover the truth behind this decades-old cold case.