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Missing California Teen Identified: Cold Case Reopened After 60 Years

1/17/2026

30 4 Full Breakdown

Center

Cole's Remains Identified

Ronald Joseph Cole, a California teen missing since 1965, has been identified via DNA as the Illinois remains found in 1966, on January 10, 2026.
The Henry County Sheriff's Office reopened the cold case in 2024 with the DNA Doe Project, and the investigation now falls under its authority.
The family suspected David LaFever, Cole's half-brother, of involvement.
LaFever was named a suspect but never charged and died in 2007.

Right

Asher's Remains Identified

Clarence Edwin Asher, former mayor of Fossil, Oregon, has been identified as the 2006 Washington beach remains.
He went missing during a crabbing trip on September 5, 2006, when he was declared legally dead shortly after.
Remains discovered in November 2006 remained unidentified until 2025, when forensic genetic genealogy confirmed his identity.
The case is Washington's 43rd identification using Othram technology, funded by state officials.

History

Historical Context

Clarence Edwin Asher went missing during a 2006 crabbing trip, leading to his legal declaration of death. Advances in forensic science, particularly through CeCe Moore's work at Parabon NanoLabs, have since identified 43 cold cases, including Asher's remains. Similarly, in 2024, DNA analysis reopened Ronald Joseph Cole's case, revealing him as a missing person from 1965, showcasing the impact of genetic genealogy on solving cold cases.

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Cole's Remains Identified

Ronald Joseph Cole, a California teen missing since 1965, has been identified via DNA as the Illinois remains found in 1966, on January 10, 2026.
The Henry County Sheriff's Office reopened the cold case in 2024 with the DNA Doe Project, and the investigation now falls under its authority.
The family suspected David LaFever, Cole's half-brother, of involvement.
LaFever was named a suspect but never charged and died in 2007.

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