Pleasant Prairie 1993 John Doe investigation; positive ID made
PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. - The Pleasant Prairie Police Department and Kenosha County Medical Examiner's Office announced on Tuesday, Aug. 27 that a positive identification has been made in a John Doe investigation from 1993.
The individual has been identified as Ronald Louis Dodge, born Dec. 27, 1952, in Keshena, Wisconsin on the Menominee Indian Reservation. Dodge's remains have been returned to his family.
"It’s been over 30 years of searching and wondering, worrying and praying about Ronny and his well being," said Joey Awonohopay, Menominee Tribal Vice Chairman. "We finally have the closure that has eluded us for so many years."
DNA used to solve case
The job of identifying Dodge took decades of work, forensic reconstruction and, ultimately, DNA.
"We had a very small pool," said Robin Espensen, DNA Doe Project Investigative Genetic Genealogist Team Leader.
SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News
The DNA Doe Project used DNA and investigative genetic geneaology that took years – made more difficult as Native Americans' DNA is not often found in family genealogy databases.
"We build the tree down, like a reverse family tree, down to people who are living today," Espensen said.
"Everyone deserves to have their name returned to them," said Patrice Hall, Kenosha County Medical Examiner.
That led the Kenosha County Medical Examiner to extended family on the Menominee reservation in summer 2023. Several days later, Dodge's brother called – and DNC later confirmed it was Ronald.
"It was an honor to be able to help them, and learn about Ronald, about their family. And bring them some closure. And – most importantly – bringing him home," Hall said.
Dodge is now buried among his relatives on tribal land.
Homicide investigation reopened
But the case is not closed. Police say Dodge was shot around the time he died.
"I’ve got high hopes that we’re going to bring justice to the Dodge family and have a successful conclusion on this case," said David Smetana, Pleasant Prairie Police Department.
But that now depends on the public.
"We’ve got a limited amount of information we’re starting off with here," Smetana said.
Call with information
Anyone with any information that might prove helpful in the Pleasant Prairie Police Department’s renewed homicide investigation is encouraged to contact the department at 262-948-8910 or by email at tips@pleasantprairiewi.gov.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX6 News app for iOS or Android
Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Kenosha Area Crime Stoppers at 262-656-7333 or 800-807-8477.