The Doe Network:
Case File 561UMNV

1
Victim's Medallion

Unidentified White Male

Vital Statistics

  • Approximate Height and Weight: 5'4" - 5'6"; 140-150 lbs.
  • Distinguishing Characteristics: Brown hair.
  • Clothing: The victim was found dressed in a green and white floral type shirt, green slacks, brown Florsheim shoes size 7D, brown socks.
  • Jewelry: A gold chain with a medallion inscribed with $1.98. The necklace and medallion were taken to numerous jewelers without success in identifying the person who made the medallion. The value of the medallion and necklace were estimated between $400.00 and $700.00. The medallion appeared to be a custom piece of jewelry made with poor to medium quality craftmanship. During this time frame, Rip Taylor hosted a game show titled the "$1.98 Beauty Contest". Efforts to link the homicide to the game show have been unsuccessful.
  • Fingerprints: Available

Case History
On October 22, 1980, the decomposed remains of a white male adult homicide victim were discovered in an area approximately one hour north of Las Vegas, 9/10 of a mile east of Highway 95 on a dirt road 60 mile south of Tonopah, near Beatty.
As part of the original investigation, the necklace and medallion were taken to numerous jewelers without success in identifying the person who made the medallion.
In 1981, Chuck Barris Productions, who produced the $1.98 Beauty Contest was contacted. The necklace was not recognized and investigators were referred to Milt Suchin who was the agent for Rip Taylor. Rip Taylor hosted the $1.98 Beauty Contest show. Milt Suchin stated that there was no promotional materials given away as part of the show which would resemble the medallion. Suchin referred investigatos to Taylor.
Investigators met with Rip Taylor who was performing at the Las Vegas Flamingo Hilton. Taylor stated he had not seen the medallion prior to this night. No promotional materials were given away resembling this medallion. Taylor does not recall anyone else giving away promotional materials such as the medallion, e.g., Chuck Barris Productions, Milt Suchin. Taylor stated that he does not know of anyone who would have been into making jewelry, such as the medallion, to say that someone associated with the show may have been an amateur jeweler.
The Jeweler's Security Alliance is a non-profit organization working in the crime prevention filed with jewelers throughout the nation. This organization has agreed to publish a photograph of the necklace in their monthly newsletter and to attempt to get national trade magazines such as Modern Jeweler and National Jeweler to also publish this case. No leads were generated as a result of these efforts.
The case was submitted to the FBI Intel Unit based in Las Vegas to determine if there might have been ties to organized crime. The inquiry met with negative results.

Investigators
If you have any information about this case please contact:
Nevada DPS
Detective Rick Brown
775-684-7430
E-Mail
You may remain anonymous when submitting information.

Agency Case Number:
C-80-207

NCIC Number:
U-965482009
Please refer to this number when contacting any agency with information regarding this case.

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