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Remains of Missing Man Identified After 23 Years

4/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Remains found at Salmon Creek state beach in June 2022 were identified as Walter Karl Kinney, who disappeared in 1999.
A bone found by a family seeking seashells led investigators to Kinney.
The DNA Doe Project (DDP) announced identification after developing a DNA profile and tracing Kinney's family lineage.
The DNA Doe Project confirmed Kinney's identity within a week.
The Sonoma County sheriff’s office thanked DDP for help identifying Kinney.

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Story summary

Remains found at Salmon Creek state beach in June 2022 were identified as Walter Karl Kinney, who disappeared in 1999.
A bone found by a family seeking seashells led investigators to Kinney.
The DNA Doe Project (DDP) announced identification after developing a DNA profile and tracing Kinney's family lineage.
The DNA Doe Project confirmed Kinney's identity within a week.
The Sonoma County sheriff’s office thanked DDP for help identifying Kinney.