Illinois State Police Just Solved a 14-Year-Old Cold Case

It's been almost exactly 14 years since a body was found in Illinois that police were unable to identify. That mystery is now solved as state police have announced results of ongoing tests and what they believe happened.

The Illinois State Police say that it was on February 18, 2012 when a body was found by a maintenance worker under the I-94 overpass of Cicero Avenue in Chicago. It took 14 years, but on January 20, 2026, forensic genealogy testing confirmed the person's identity. Illinois State Police say the body is that of 64-year-old Ronald M. Risher. They do not suspect foul play, but believe that exposure to cold is suspected to have played a part in his passing.

How did the Illinois State Police solve this 14-year-old cold case?

It was a combined effort between Illinois State Police special agents and the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. Forensic genealogical testing "combines DNA analysis with traditional, genealogical, and historical research to identify unknown suspects or victims" according to Lexipol. That's why, even with extreme decomposition, this Illinois cold case could be closed. At least Mr. Risher's family can now have closure knowing what happened to him.