Kenneth Nevada Williams, 15, of La Puente, was found dead more than eight months after running away from home.
More than four decades after the body of a teenager was found on a residential street in Belmont Shore, Long Beach police finally have discovered the identity of the victim thanks to advances in investigative genealogy, authorities said Wednesday, Dec. 14.
Using investigative genealogy technology, Long Beach police detectives have identified the victim in a 1978 cold case as Kenneth Nevada Williams, 15, of La Puente. Williams’ body was found on Division Street near Corona Avenue in Belmont Shore on June 3, 1978. Up until he was identified, Williams had been known to Long Beach homicide detectives as “John Doe 1978,” police said.They searched for their lost brother for decades. Then a Long Beach police detective knocked on their doorHomicide detectives created a DNA sample for “John Doe 1978” for investigative genealogy and in September, that sample led to the identity of Williams, police said.
Williams was a Fairgrove Academy student who last attended the school on Oct. 27, 1977. Where he was between that date and June 3, 1978, when his body was found, is not known. The Belmont Shore neighborhood where Williams was found was similar at the time of his death to its characteristics today, Robertson said – a well-populated area that attracts tourists.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
⛄ Winter (almost) dispatch from the beach | Down the ShoreTaylor Swift gets it. “Snow on the beach”, she wrote in her latest album, is “weird but f-ing beautiful.”
Read more »
Controversial DNA tactic helped ID teen found dead in Long Beach in 1978Consumer genetic data provided by users hoping to locate their own relatives allowed investigators to identify the remains of a teenager found in Long Beach in 1978.
Read more »
Long Beach Airport ranks No.1 for holiday travelForbes Advisor analyzed federal transportation data from 100 of the nation's busiest airports and the Long Beach Airport took the No. 1 spot for holiday travel… the best in the nation.
Read more »
Reese Dixon-Waters helps USC hold off Long Beach StateLBSU whittles a 16-point deficit to one point in the second half, but the sophomore guard asserts himself and gives the Trojans enough breathing room to close out an 88-78 win.
Read more »
Ports of LA, Long Beach end container dwelling feeThe parts of LA and Long Beach said they have seen a combined decline of 92% in aging cargo on docks.
Read more »
Queen Mary in Long Beach welcomes back visitors following pandemic closureAll aboard! The Queen Mary in Long Beach is welcoming back visitors following its nearly 3-year pandemic closure 🚢
Read more »