Cold Case Breakthrough: Body Found in Crater Lake 37 Years Ago Identified Thanks to Advancement in DNA Technology

In a significant breakthrough, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office has identified the body discovered in Crater Lake in 1986 as Clarence Lynn Wilson. Wilson’s remains were found partially submerged in the water near FM 3083 and Exxon Rd in Conroe, Texas, with the investigation revealing he died from multiple gunshot wounds.

The unidentified body had puzzled investigators since 1986, with no leads on the victim’s identity.

Described as a white male aged 20-30, standing at 5’06 and weighing 133 pounds, Wilson had distinctive features, including collar-length reddish-brown hair, decaying teeth, and tattoos on both arms – a small devil on the left lower arm, the name “Liz” on the left upper arm, and the words “Baby Dawn” on the right upper arm.

In 2015, Cold Case Detectives attempted to solve the mystery by exhuming the remains for DNA analysis, but no identification was made. However, advancements in DNA technology led investigators to exhume the body once again in May 2023. This time, the DNA obtained was used for Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) at Othram Lab in The Woodlands.

The breakthrough came in October 2023 when Othram Lab confirmed a familial match between the unidentified remains and a family member in California. The remains have now been positively identified as Clarence Lynn Wilson, born on February 18, 1952, with a last known address in Texas City, Texas.

The Homicide investigation into Wilson’s death is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. If you knew Clarence or have any relevant details, please contact the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Squad at 936-760-5820 or Multi-County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-392-STOP (7867).