Bones Found in Chimney in 1989 Identified as Man Missing Since 1970

Human bones discovered in a Wisconsin music store chimney in 1989 have been identified as Ronnie Joe Kirk, who last contacted his relatives in 1970. The DNA Doe Project, a nonprofit specializing in identifying unknown persons through genealogy, confirmed the identification this week. Kirk, originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, was born in 1942, adopted, married twice, and had three children.

The remains, found in Madison, Wisconsin, were nicknamed “Chimney Doe.” Despite initial identification attempts, it wasn’t until Madison Police Detective Lindsey Ludden collaborated with the DNA Doe Project in 2018 that progress was made. Hair samples from the skull were sent to Astrea Forensics, which developed a DNA profile over two years.

Kirk’s last known contact was in 1970, after his second divorce in Missouri. His children, unaware of each other’s existence until contacted by investigators, are now in their 50s. Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes reported that Kirk’s relatives are relieved to have closure but have requested privacy.

Source: AP News