SCSO investigators hope new facial reconstruction technology will finally lead to the proper name of a man whose skeletal remains were found near Oviedo 20-plus years ago

Video for Headline Surfer / Bob Kealing, a PIO for Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma, produced and moderated a video presentation that highlights advances in what a deceased person likely looked like before decomposition set in; in this case, what little remained of a man found whose identity has been a mystery for two decades now. Kealing turns to SCSO Investigator Jennifer Spears, shown above, who provides some insight into the technology.
 
By HENRY FREDERICK
Headline Surfer

OVIEDO, Fla. -- Seminole County sheriff’s investigators have released a facial reconstruction image of a man whose skeletal remains were discovered in a wooded area of unincorporated Oviedo almost 20 years ago.

It was on On Oct 7, 1998, that workers clearing away brush for a drainage survey in the woods off of S. Econ Circle discovered what appeared to be bones on the ground.

From the state of advanced decomposition and other clues, investigators determined the bones had been there a year or more. Despite numerous attempts to learn the man’s identity, this has remained a "John Doe" case.

Repeated investigative efforts to identify the man over the years have been unsuccessful, but as Seminole County Sheriff's Office PIO Bob Kealing points out, that could change. 

"Newer technology has now provided us the best representation yet," Kealing said. The facial reconstruction depicts a white male in his late 20s to early 40s, at a height of between 5 feet 6 and 5 feet 11.

New Balance tennis shoes were discovered at the scene along with Quiksilver, Instinct and Speedo brand clothing. Investigators point out these are all popular surf lifestyle clothing brands, then and now.

Seminole County Sheriff's Office PIO Bob Kealing in Oviedo, FL / Headline SurferRepeated investigative efforts to identify the man over the years have been unsuccessful, but as Seminole County Sheriff's Office PIO Bob Kealing pointed out, that could change. 

"Newer technology has now provided us the best representation yet," said SCSO's Bob Kealing, shown in this screenshot from his video presentation. 

The facial reconstruction depicts a white male in his late 20s to early 40s, at a height of between 5 feet 6 and 5 feet 11.

New Balance tennis shoes were discovered at the scene along with Quiksilver, Instinct and Speedo brand clothing. Investigators point out these are all popular surf lifestyle clothing brands, then and now.

You can help:
Anyone with information on the identity of this man is asked to call the Seminole County Sheriff's Office at 407-665-6650 or Crimeline at (800) 423-TIPS (8477), or email SCSO Investigator Jennifer Spears at jspears@seminolesheriff.org.