January 30, 2007

JOHN DOE CASES

     The Coroner's Division of the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff has released details on two John Doe cases.  The cases are from 2005, and the remains recovered are still unidentified.

John Doe Case #2005-01631

On July 26, 2005, Richmond Police responded to the discovery of a body along the shoreline at Sandpiper Spit.  The partially decomposed unidentified remains of a male were recovered by the Contra Costa Coroner's Division.

It is estimated the decedent died three weeks to two months prior to discovery.  After analysis by a Forensic Anthropologist, the decedent is described as:

  • Male, African/European descent, 23-32 years old, 5'8" to 6'-41/2", medium build

  • Additionally, the decedent showed evidence of a genetic condition known as Scheuermann's Disease (possibly undiagnosed) which caused a slight curvature of the lower spine and craniosynostosis (an elongated skull)

                                                       

John Doe Case #2005-2199

On October 15, 2005, Antioch Police responded to the discovery of a body along the shoreline at the Dow wetlands area.  The partially decomposed unidentified remains of a male were recovered by the Contra Costa Coroner's Division.

After analysis by a Forensic Pathologist, the decedent is described as:

  • Male, Caucasian, approximately 55 years old, 6'1", 145 lbs., closely trimmed brown hair with a large bald spot at the top of his head, upper dentures only (lower dentures missing), no clothing

                                                      

    

     The Coroner's Division recently hired a Forensic Artist who produced a clay facial reconstruction of the decedent in the Richmond case and a sketch of the other.  Photos of the facial reconstruction and the sketch are available by email.

     Anyone with information about either case is asked to call the Contra Costa Coroner's Division at (925) 313-2850 or Sgt. Chris Forsyth at (925) 313-2870.

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Jimmy Lee, Public Information Officer  (925) 313-2643

The Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office offers a full range of law enforcement services to 900,000 residents in the 750 square mile county. Besides patrolling the unincorporated areas, Deputy Sheriffs provide comprehensive police services to a number of contract cities and special districts. Additionally, the Sheriff's Office operates county detention facilities, provides security for the courts and runs the Office of Emergency Services. The Sheriff's Office is a leader in law enforcement having practiced Community Oriented Policing for 150 years.

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