RELATED STORIES
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
The Mystery of the Putnam County Cold Case
The discovery of human remains in a chilling cold case in northern Florida has finally been solved, more than four decades after the victim was first found. Thanks to advanced DNA testing and forensic genealogy, authorities have identified the victim as William Irving Monroe III, a former United States Marine who served in Vietnam.
A Twisted Tale Unraveled
It all began in December 1980, when a sheriff’s deputy stumbled upon Monroe’s body, partially buried in a hole in Pomona Park, a small town located about 60 miles from Gainesville. The case was immediately classified as a homicide, as Monroe had sustained a gunshot wound to the neck, blunt force trauma to the chest, and a hairline fracture at the base of his skull.
A Father’s Disappearance
Monroe, a father of two, was last seen alive on November 15, 1980. His ex-wife resided in Pomona Park, where he is believed to have been visiting at the time of his death. Despite collecting hair and skin samples at the crime scene, authorities were unable to identify him or any potential suspects in the killing.
Connecting the Dots
In a surprising turn of events, Captain Chris Stallings of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office revisited the case in 2023. Resubmitting evidence samples for testing led to a breakthrough when Othram, Inc. was able to connect Monroe’s DNA with his relatives. It was his brother, Richard, who provided the final piece of the puzzle that confirmed Monroe’s identity.
A Bittersweet Resolution
While the identification of Monroe’s remains may bring closure to his family, it also opens up new avenues for the investigation. Authorities are now appealing to the public for any information that may help solve the case and bring justice to Monroe’s memory.
Seeking Justice
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information related to Monroe’s case to come forward. Tips can be reported anonymously through the local Crime Stoppers hotline, with a reward being offered for valuable information. This breakthrough may just be the beginning of the journey towards finding Monroe’s killer and providing closure to his loved ones.
.