Identification of Cold Case Victim Linked to Serial Killer

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News Summary

Authorities have identified Larry Eugene Parks, a victim linked to notorious serial killer Randy Kraft, nearly 45 years after his death. Parks, a Vietnam War veteran, went missing in 1979, and his body was found in Oregon in 1980. Utilizing forensic genealogy, investigators confirmed his identity, providing closure to his family and connecting him to Kraft, who is serving a life sentence for multiple murders. The case underscores the vital role of advanced forensic techniques in solving cold cases and seeking justice for victims.

Oregon – Nearly 45 years after his death, the victim of a suspected serial killer has been identified by authorities, marking a significant development in a cold case linked to infamous California serial killer Randy Kraft. Larry Eugene Parks, whose body was discovered alongside Interstate 5 in Oregon on July 18, 1980, was only recently matched to his true identity, which had remained unknown for decades. Kraft, currently serving a life sentence for multiple murders, has been named the sole suspect in this investigation.

Parks, a 30-year-old Vietnam War veteran, went missing in 1979, losing contact with his family. He was last seen in Pensacola, Florida. Authorities launched a homicide investigation when his body was found, but his identity remained a mystery until last month. The Oregon State Police, led by spokesperson Kyle Kennedy, have confirmed the identification of Parks, stating that they utilized forensic genealogy to achieve this breakthrough. An investigator from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department played a crucial role in contacting the Oregon Cold Case Unit, which ultimately constructed a genetic profile from a blood sample retrieved at the crime scene.

The identification process involved comparing the genetic profile with DNA samples submitted by potential relatives of Parks. Until his identification, Parks’ family was unaware of the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and untimely death. This revelation is particularly significant as it not only answers longstanding questions for Parks’ family but also connects him to Kraft, who has long been regarded as one of California’s most notorious serial killers.

Currently 80 years old, Randy Kraft has been incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison since 1989 for the murders of at least 16 young men across California. He has maintained his innocence throughout the years, denying all allegations of homicide. His crimes came to light when, in 1983, he was pulled over for erratic driving, leading authorities to discover the body of a deceased U.S. Marine in his passenger seat. Additionally, police found a coded list in Kraft’s possession, which is believed to document 67 potential victims from various states including California, Oregon, and Michigan.

In light of Parks’ identification, investigators are diligently processing further evidence to explore the potential connections between Kraft and Parks’ death. This case reflects a growing trend in law enforcement to utilize advanced forensic techniques, including genetic genealogy, to solve cold cases that span several decades. In fact, just last year, the remains of a teenager believed to be another of Kraft’s victims were identified using similar methodologies.

Randy Kraft has been characterized by prosecutors as a particularly disturbed individual; reports suggest that he would preserve dismembered parts of his victims in his refrigerator, highlighting his violent and predatory behavior. With the recent developments in Parks’ identification, law enforcement officials hope to uncover more about the extent of Kraft’s criminal activities and identify additional potential victims.

This identification underscores the importance of forensic science in solving cold cases and providing closure to families who have waited years for answers. As investigations continue, more details about Larry Eugene Parks’ life and the circumstances surrounding his tragic death may emerge, offering insights into a case that has remained dormant for far too long.