After nearly 45 years, a mysterious case involving a body found in Northern California has finally been solved.
Known only as “John Doe #3” for decades, the victim has now been identified as Donald Gene Horecka, a 25-year-old man from Las Vegas, Nevada. This breakthrough was made possible by modern technology, including facial reconstruction and advanced DNA testing.
Here’s everything you need to know about this decades-old mystery and how it was finally unraveled.
Who Was John Doe #3?
On February 2, 1980, a body was discovered in a creek bed near Lopes Road in Benicia, California.
Pathologists determined the man had died from corrosive esophagitis, caused by ingesting a chemical substance not meant for human consumption.
Despite thorough investigations at the time, the man’s identity and the circumstances surrounding his death remained unknown.
He was buried without being identified, and his case went cold, with no new leads for years.
The Doe Cold Case Project
In July 2023, as part of the Doe Cold Case Project, the Solano County Sheriff’s Office exhumed the remains of “John Doe #3.”
This project aims to reopen unsolved cases using modern forensic techniques. Over 15 months, investigators worked tirelessly to uncover new clues about the man’s identity.
How Was Donald Horecka Identified?
Using advanced tools like facial reconstruction, DNA testing, and forensic genetic genealogy, investigators identified the body as Donald Gene Horecka.
He was a 25-year-old from Las Vegas, Nevada, who had been reported missing between the late 1970s and early 1980.
Stunning CGI images and photos of Horecka as a teenager were released to the public.
Authorities hope this will encourage anyone who knew him to come forward with information about his disappearance and death.
The Ongoing Investigation
Although Horecka’s identity has been confirmed, many questions remain unanswered. How did he end up in California?
What led to his death? To gather more information, the Sheriff’s Office has asked the public for help.
“If anyone has information about the disappearance or death of Donald Horecka, we ask the public to contact Coroner Investigator Jessica Dew at (707) 784-7500,” said a spokesperson.
FAQs
1. When was the body found?
The body was discovered on February 2, 1980, in a creek bed near Benicia, California.
2. How did Donald Horecka die?
He died from corrosive esophagitis caused by consuming a harmful chemical substance.
3. What technology was used to identify him?
Facial reconstruction, modern DNA testing, and forensic genetic genealogy were used to identify Horecka.
4. How long did it take to identify him after exhuming the body?
It took about 15 months of investigation after the body was exhumed in July 2023.
5. How can people help with the investigation?
Anyone with information about Donald Horecka’s disappearance or death can contact the Sheriff’s Office at (707) 784-7500.
