Illinois State Police Identify 2012 Northwest Side Remains as Ronald M. Risher
Forensic genealogy tied a relative's DNA to the case, closing a nearly 14-year unidentified-remains investigation.
Overview
- State police announced the identification on Jan. 29 after revisiting the cold case.
- A maintenance worker discovered the remains on Feb. 18, 2012 under the I-94 overpass at Cicero Avenue.
- Testing on Jan. 20 confirmed the remains as those of 64-year-old Ronald M. Risher through a possible relative's DNA sample.
- The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office assisted with testing that verified the match.
- Decomposition prevented determining a precise cause and manner of death, though cold exposure was believed to have contributed, and investigators did not suspect foul play.