The Colorado Bureau of Investigation on Nov. 8 announced a victim identification in a 1987 cold case homicide in Jackson County. Using genetic genealogy and other advancements in technology, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office worked closely with the CBI and the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigations to identify the 1987 male homicide victim as 24-year-old Jerry Mikkelson.
On Oct. 18, 1987, Mikkelson’s body was discovered on a Forest Service Road located 15 miles north of Walden and 5 miles from the Wyoming border, according to the announcement. Mikkelson was wearing a vest with the initials L.B.L written on a tag inside of the vest. Through soil samples found in his hair, CBI noted it is believed that Mikkelson was murdered in Wyoming and brought to Colorado.
Mikkelson’s remains were exhumed by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, CBI and DCI earlier this year on June 28. The exhumation resulted in new DNA samples and the discovery of a surgical titanium rod in the right femur. According to the announcement, Mikkelson’s family was able to confirm he had broken his femur six years before his death, which resulted in the titanium rod.
According to the missing persons report filed by a family member, Mikkelson willingly left his home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on Aug. 8, 1983. It is believed Mikkelson spent time in Pittsburgh; Olathe, Kansas; Wyoming; and possibly Colorado.
Mikkelson was born on Aug. 12, 1963. He was described as 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighed about 160 pounds at the time of his disappearance. Mikkelson had brown eyes and brown hair that had a naturally curly/wavy texture.
If you have any information about Mikkelson or the homicide, you can submit a tip to [email protected] or by leaving a message on the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 970-875-7069.