California Teen Missing for 60 Years Found in Illinois Thanks to DNA Identifications

Geneseo John Doe Identified as Ronald Joe Cole, 19-Year-Old Missing Since 1965

GENESEO, Ill. — Nearly six decades after he disappeared from Fillmore, California, Ronald Joe Cole has been identified as the remains previously labeled "Geneseo John Doe." Advanced DNA technology confirmed Cole’s identity, bringing closure to a case that baffled investigators for decades.

The mystery began on May 1, 1965, when Cole, then 19 years old, went missing. His remains were discovered in a creek near Geneseo in October 1966 by a postman. A forensic examination revealed a gunshot wound at the base of his skull, suggesting he had been deceased for one to five years at the time of discovery.

For years, Cole’s identity remained unknown until the Henry County Sheriff’s Office collaborated with the DNA Doe Project in 2024. Through investigative genetic genealogy, experts accessed databases like GEDmatch and located distant relatives, ultimately linking Cole to his roots in Ventura County.

At the time of his disappearance, Cole was living with his half-brother, David LaFever, who had reportedly traveled from San Diego to Fillmore seeking work. Investigators named LaFever a prime suspect in Cole’s disappearance. In 1983, while facing unrelated charges, LaFever allegedly confessed to family members about killing Cole. He was also tied to the 1977 disappearance of his brother-in-law, Jon Skaggs.

Gwen Knapp, the DNA Doe Project team leader, expressed gratitude for relatives who uploaded their DNA to GEDmatch, saying, "Unusually, our team had good matches on both the father’s side and the mother’s side to work with."

Arlon Gradert, who owns the land where the remains were found, expressed relief at the resolution. "We had kind of put it in the back of our minds. This happened a long time ago… I guess everybody is looking for closure."

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to uncovering the truth for victims’ families. “Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Ronald J. Cole during this difficult time, as they receive confirmation after so many years of uncertainty," the department stated.

While LaFever has been identified as the prime suspect, he was never formally charged in connection with Cole’s death or with Skaggs’ disappearance. It remains unknown whether he is still alive, and the details surrounding how Cole’s remains traveled from California to Illinois are under investigation.

The identification of Cole opens the door for his family to arrange a proper burial, as the investigation continues. Local authorities are actively reviewing historical records to trace the last known movements of both Cole and LaFever in the mid-1960s.