Vietnam Veteran’s Remains Discovered Nearly Five Decades Ago Finally Identified
After a remarkable investigation spanning nearly five decades, skeletal remains discovered in Arizona in 1975 have been identified as those of Gerald Francis Long, a Vietnam veteran from Minnesota.
The Unidentified Enigma
The chilling discovery of human remains was made 40 miles east of Flagstaff, Arizona, on April 19, 1975, by farmers chasing a runaway pig. Baffled by the gruesome find, they promptly notified authorities.
Despite relentless efforts, detectives hit a dead end in identifying the victim. The remains, adorned with a Munsingwear brand jacket, became known as “Munsingwear Doe” due to the lack of identification.
A Breakthrough: Forensic Genealogy
In August 2023, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office sought assistance from forensic genealogists at Intermountain Forensics. Their expertise proved invaluable, as they analyzed DNA extracted from the remains and created a genetic profile.
This profile was then compared with existing genealogy databases, leading to the identification of a potential family line. In February, the search narrowed down to Gerald Long as a probable match.
Confirming the Identity
To solidify the identification, detectives contacted Long’s surviving family members. They confirmed his military service during the Vietnam War and his last known whereabouts in October 1972, when he informed his family of his departure for the West Coast.
Further confirmation came from the FBI Laboratory’s Latent Print Unit, which analyzed partial fingerprints collected from the remains in 1975. These fingerprints matched known records belonging to Long.
DNA samples from Long’s family also aligned with those extracted from the remains, providing incontrovertible evidence.
Enduring Mystery: Cause of Death Unknown
While the identification of Gerald Long resolved the long-standing mystery, the cause of his death remains elusive. The circumstances surrounding his demise were never determined in 1975 and continue to remain an unanswered question.
Condolences and Privacy
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office extended their heartfelt condolences to Long’s family, respecting their request for privacy during this time.
The identification of Munsingwear Doe is a testament to the enduring power of forensic investigations and the dedication of law enforcement officers to seek justice, even decades after a crime has been committed.
