Body Found Near Channahon: Can You Help Solve Cold Case?

CHANNAHON, IL — The Will County Coroner's Office announced Monday that it is trying to pursue advanced DNA testing in hopes of identifying the body of a man found near Channahon during the 1970s.

Coroner Laurie Summers said her staff has partnered with Othram as part of an effort to bring Will County's 1974 mystery to an end.

According to the website DNASolves.com, hunters came across the man's skeleton in a creek head for a partially wooded area in November 1974. At that time, there was a field of crops nearby and a motel in proximity to the area of Interstates 55 and 80.

It's possible that the body was at the location for up to two years. The Will County John Doe is believed to be white, 35 to 45 years old when he died, and around 5-foot-10.

The man wore a black sweater, size 31 blue jeans and brown Builtrite work boots that were size 9.

"The man had extensive dental work performed likely within weeks of his death. Few other details are known about the man and the circumstances of his death," the website announced.

Now, the Coroner's Office aims to use advanced DNA tests to identify the man one or one of his relatives.

If anyone has information that could aid this investigation, they are encouraged to contact the Will County Coroner's Office at 815-727-8455.

According to Summers, a fund has been created to cover the costs of DNA testing. Please refer to medical exam case number UN 74-01, Will County Sheriff’s case number 74-313-03, or NamUs ID UP5212.

To learn more, visit the website here.