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Idaho identifies 1982 Unknown Wanderer as Dr. Betkouski

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 4:30 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Betkouski Identified

Idaho authorities identified the Unknown Wanderer as Dr. Mathew Francis Betkouski.
Detectives used a key found on his body to locate his brother in California.
DNA from his wallet matched his brother’s sample, confirming his identity.
Betkouski died by cyanide ingestion on December 4, 1982, leaving a note and $1,900.
Investigators recovered homemade sodium cyanide, which differed from the potassium cyanide used in the Chicago murders.

Summary

Sheriff Clifford Announces

Ada County Sheriff’s Office will hold a press conference on September 23 to reveal the cold-case breakthrough.
Sheriff Matt Clifford, Detective Tim Cooper and forensic psychiatrist Dr. Park Dietz will present the findings.
Unsolved Mysteries co-creator Terry Dunn Meurer will join Idaho officials at the briefing.
Investigators traced the victim’s belt buckle to an Arizona gift shop, suggesting a Southwest origin.

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Betkouski Identified

Idaho authorities identified the Unknown Wanderer as Dr. Mathew Francis Betkouski.
Detectives used a key found on his body to locate his brother in California.
DNA from his wallet matched his brother’s sample, confirming his identity.
Betkouski died by cyanide ingestion on December 4, 1982, leaving a note and $1,900.
Investigators recovered homemade sodium cyanide, which differed from the potassium cyanide used in the Chicago murders.

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