Advancement in DNA Technology and Tenacity of Cold Case Detective Identifies Victim in 37-year-old Homicide

CONROE, TX -- On August 3, 1986, at about 5:00 p.m., several citizens were at Crater Lake near FM 3083 and Exxon Rd in the Conroe area when they observed a human body partially submerged in the water. Montgomery County Sheriff's Office Deputies responded, and the body was removed from the water. The body was weighted down with two cement cinder blocks attached to an electrical cord. An autopsy revealed that the unidentified male died from multiple gunshot wounds.

The body was not identified in 1986 and was described as follows: white male 20-30 years of age, about 5'06, 133 pounds, slight build, collar length reddish brown hair, decaying teeth, tattoos - left lower arm (small devil with painted tail), left upper arm (the name “Liz”), right upper arm (the word “Baby Dawn”), left ear lobe pierced, wearing men's blue denim jeans size 30 waist, 31 length, brown short sleeve shirt, and men’s white athletic type socks.

In 2015, Montgomery County Sheriff's Office Cold Case Detectives exhumed the remains to obtain DNA for entry into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), a local, state, and federal database of DNA profiles from convicted offenders, unsolved crime scene evidence, and missing persons, in an attempt to make an identification and facial approximation. Both of these tasks were subsequently accomplished, but neither resulted in an identification.

Due to significant advancements in DNA technology, in May 2023, Cold Case Detectives exhumed the remains a second time to obtain additional DNA for Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG). The remains were taken to Othram Lab in The Woodlands, where they successfully got more DNA, and began conducting a genealogy assessment. A possible family member was identified in California for targeted DNA testing. Contact was made with the family member by local law enforcement, and a DNA sample was voluntarily obtained and submitted to Othram Lab.

In October 2023, Othram Lab issued a report confirming the familial match between the unknown human remains and the family member in California. The remains have been positively identified as Clarence Lynn Wilson, DOB: 02/18/52, with a last known address in Texas City, Texas.

At this time, the Homicide investigation into Wilson's death is still ongoing. If you know Clarence or have any information, please contact the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office Cold Case Squad at 936-760-5820 or Multi-County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-392-STOP [7867].