1982 Cold Case: Body found in Muir Woods finally identified

In November 1982, the skeletal remains of an unidentified man were discovered in the Muir Woods National Monument, near the Deer Park Fire Trail. Investigators determined the remains were of a man who was approximately 5’8” tall and likely between 60 and 70 years old. At the time of discovery, he was wearing a white collared shirt, gray socks, and a pair of size 11.5 white tennis shoes. The man could not be identified and became “Marin County J. DOE 82-278”.

In April 2018, the case was entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs). Despite efforts by LE investigators the case went cold.

In 2022, the Marin County Sheriff’s Office working in collaboration with the CA Department of Justice (DOJ) Jan Bashinski DNA Lab partnered with Othram Forensics to develop a genetic profile to aid in the identification of J. DOE. The Ca DOJ submitted forensic evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas. Othram scientists successfully developed a DNA extract from the forensic evidence and developed a comprehensive DNA profile of the unknown man. Othram’s casework costs for the case were provided by the Roads to Justice (RTJ) program. Othram’s in-house forensic genetic genealogy team then used this profile to conduct genealogy research, ultimately providing new investigative leads to law enforcement.

Using this new information, a follow-up investigation was conducted leading Coroner investigators to potential relatives of the man. This extensive investigation led to the positive identification of the man, who is now known to be Sigvard Svensson, born Feb. 4, 1908. Mr. Svensson immigrated to the United States in 1926, arriving in New York from Sweden, with a final destination of San Francisco.

The Marin County Sheriff’s Office Coroner Division wishes to publicly express our sincerest appreciation to the CA DOJ and Othram for their tireless efforts and assistance with this case leading to the positive identification of Mr. Svensson.

Additionally, we offer our sincerest condolences to his family and friends.