Detectives are asking the public for help in their cold case investigation into the death of a man with a degenerative spinal condition whose remains were found in Ventura County more than three years ago.
On June 26, 2022, the mummified remains of the man were found in the Santa Clara River bed, just south of the 3700 block of Olivas Park Drive, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday.
The unidentified man was dressed in a red “Faded Glory” brand polo shirt, Levi 501 jeans and a light-colored tank top. No personal belongings were discovered near the remains.
Investigators said the body showed no signs of fatal trauma, but the circumstances around the man’s death remain a mystery.
An analysis of the remains revealed an unhealed fracture in his right foot, and there was evidence of a degenerative spinal condition known as Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH). Combined with other joint issues, investigators believe the man likely walked with a limp.
His age was estimated to be 45 to 80 years old. He was likely Hispanic or African American, but possibly Native American or Asian, the sheriff’s office said. His height was estimated at 5 feet 5 inches tall, plus or minus 4 inches.
Anyone with information was asked to contact Detective Erik Hernandez at 805-384-4729.
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