After 48 years, two men’s remains found in a submerged car in the Illinois River, have been identified, solving a decades-old mystery.
At a Glance
- DNA testing confirmed skeletal remains as Clarence Owens and Everett Hawley, missing since 1976
- The men disappeared after leaving a farm auction on February 19, 1976
- Their 1966 Chevrolet Impala sedan was discovered by fishermen using sonar equipment
- No evidence of trauma found on remains, cause of death still unknown
- Case highlights advancements in DNA testing and forensic methods
Cold Case Solved: A 48-Year Mystery Unraveled
In a remarkable turn of events, a 48-year-old cold case has finally been solved, bringing closure to families and highlighting the relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement. The remains of two men, Clarence Owens and Everett Hawley, who vanished without a trace in 1976, have been identified after their car was discovered submerged in the Illinois River. This breakthrough serves as a stark reminder of the importance of never giving up on unsolved cases, no matter how much time has passed.
The discovery of the 1966 Chevrolet Impala sedan in the Pecatonica River by fishermen using a sonar fish finder led to the retrieval of over 100 bones from the vehicle and surrounding area. The subsequent DNA analysis, conducted by the Illinois State Police Division of Forensic Services, matched the remains to DNA profiles from the men’s relatives, conclusively identifying them as Owens and Hawley.
DNA testing on skeletal remains found in a car pulled from an Illinois river confirmed they are those of two men who vanished in 1976 after leaving a farm auction, authorities said. https://t.co/jcKgAPIOP8
— CBS News (@CBSNews) September 12, 2024
A Day That Ended in Tragedy
On February 19, 1976, Clarence Owens, a salesperson, and Everett Hawley, a real estate broker, attended a farm auction. This ordinary day would be the last time anyone saw them alive. The circumstances surrounding their disappearance remained a mystery for nearly five decades, leaving their families in agonizing uncertainty. The discovery of their remains not only solves the case but also raises questions about the events that led to their tragic end.
“This brings us one step closer to providing closure to the families of Clarence Owens and Everett Hawley who have waited many years for answers that have been affected by this tragic case,” Winnebago County Sheriff Gary Caruana said in a statement.
While the identification of the remains brings some closure, the exact cause of death remains unknown. Winnebago County Coroner Jennifer Muraski has stated that no foul play is suspected, and a forensic anthropologist found no evidence of trauma on the remains. This lack of evidence leaves room for speculation about what truly happened on that fateful day in 1976.
Advancements in Forensic Science: A Game Changer
The resolution of this decades-old case underscores the significant advancements in DNA testing and forensic methods. The ability to extract and analyze DNA from skeletal remains that have been submerged for nearly half a century is a testament to how far forensic science has come. These technological breakthroughs are giving new hope to families of missing persons and cold case detectives across the nation.
