Case File 949UMIA
Sketch of Victim
Unidentified White Male
- The victim was discovered on October 25, 2005 in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa
- Cause of Death: Drowning; no apparent injuries or trauma.
- Formerly Hot Case # 147
Vital Statistics
- Estimated age: 40 - 45 years old
- Approximate Height and Weight: 5' 8" - 5' 10"; 195-210 lbs.
- Distinguishing Characteristics: Brown with gray hair, mustache and goatee. His hair, mustache and goatee were neatly trimmed; his fingernails were manicured. He'd had shoulder surgery.
- Dentals: The man's jaws, teeth retained.
- Clothing: Tan shorts (size 36), blue trousers (size 38), no shirt, and a yellow and white Relic brand watch. Less than $10 in cash and coins.
- DNA: Samples taken
Case History
The victim was found submerged in the Des Moines River, West Bank, in Des Moines, Iowa on October 25, 2005. The body was found face down, two or three feet from shore, by a passerby.
He was drunk when he died. His blood alcohol level was 0.29, more than three times the legal limit to drive in Iowa.
There was a homeless camp on the east bank of the river upstream from where the man was found — next to the west bank just north of downtown. There was some speculation that he'd tried to swim across the river. He did not look homeless.
Investigators inspected all abandoned cars in the area and compared the owners' heights, weights and ages with the unidentified man's. There were two possible matches. Neither panned out.
Investigators
If you have any information about this case please contact:
Des Moines Police Department
515-283-4805
You may remain anonymous when submitting information.
Source Information:
Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation
Des Moines Register 1/30/06