Remains Identified as Men Who Vanished Almost 50 Years Ago

Remains Identified as Men Who Vanished Almost 50 Years Ago

The remains of two men found in a submerged car in the Illinois River have been identified after they went missing in 1976, marking a massive development in a decades-old mystery.

At a Glance

  • Bones found in Pecatonica River have been identified as two men who went missing nearly 50 years ago.
  • The remains belong to Clarence Owens and Everett Hawley, who disappeared in 1976.
  • The identification was confirmed by the Winnebago County Coroner’s Office.
  • Over 100 bones were found inside a 1966 Chevrolet Impala submerged in the river.
  • Fishermen discovered the submerged vehicle using a sonar fish finder in March.

Submerged Car Discovery

The remains of Clarence Owens and Everett Hawley were found inside a submerged 1966 Chevrolet Impala in the Pecatonica River. Fishermen using a sonar fish finder discovered the vehicle on March 11, 2024. DNA testing confirmed the identification of the bones, marking a huge development to a case that has puzzled authorities for nearly half a century.

The Winnebago County Coroner’s Office confirmed the identification of the remains. Owens, 65, and Hawley, 75, were last seen attending a farm auction near the Winnebago-Ogle County line on February 19, 1976. Witnesses reported that they arrived in an Impala with a new coat of gold paint.

Forensic Investigation

Forensic analysis by the Illinois State Police Division of Forensic Services revealed that the bones belonged to two adult men and showed no signs of trauma. DNA testing linked the bones to living relatives of Owens and Hawley, solidifying the identification. Despite the extensive analysis, the cause of death remains unknown, and no foul play is suspected.

This discovery highlights advancements in DNA testing in solving long-standing missing persons cases. Similar identification occurred in August involving remains found near Knoxville, Tennessee. This case involved Brian A. Sanderson, identified nearly two decades after the remains were discovered.

Closure for Families

The discovery brings closure to the families of Clarence Owens and Everett Hawley, who have long awaited answers. Authorities emphasized the dedication and perseverance of detectives and forensic experts in solving this cold case.

The development “brings us one step closer to providing closure to the families of Clarence Owens and Everett Hawley who have waited many years for answers that have been affected by this tragic case,” according to Winnebago County Sheriff Gary Caruana.

Caruana noted the challenging nature of the investigation due to the vehicle being submerged in the muddy riverbed for decades.

Sources

  1. Skeletal remains inside car found by fishermen in Illinois river identified as men who disappeared in 1976
  2. Remains Found in Submerged Car in Illinois River Identified as 2 Men Who Vanished Nearly 50 Years Ago
  3. Coroner Identifies Remains Found in Car in River as Men Missing Since 1976

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