Utah Desert Remains Identified After 28 Years Via DNA Genealogy
A man’s remains, discovered nearly three decades ago in the desolate Utah desert with the unexpected assistance of a psychic, have finally been identified. The individual has been confirmed as Pedro Calderon Marioni, who authorities now believe had been deceased for approximately two years when his remains were found in 1998. The announcement was made Monday by the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office.
A Long Road to Identification
The identification marks a significant achievement in a case that had grown cold over many years. Sgt. Tom Talbot of the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office highlighted the importance of perseverance, inter-agency cooperation, and the evolution of forensic science. “Most importantly, it provides long-awaited answers to a family that has lived for decades without knowing the fate of their loved one,” Sgt. Talbot stated in a news release.
Marioni’s partially skeletonized remains were processed by a specialized forensics laboratory focused on cold case investigations. The discovery occurred on June 2, 1998, within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area near Ticaboo, Utah. Investigators were initially on the scene following a tip from a psychic regarding three suspects wanted in connection with the murder of a Colorado police officer. While a Colorado Bureau of Investigation agent discovered Marioni’s remains near a drainage path, partially obscured by sand, rock, and dirt, no connection was found between his case and the fugitives.
Unraveling the Mystery
At the time of discovery, personal effects were found near Marioni, including cowboy boots, a bathrobe, a Ford truck key, and a long-distance calling card. Investigators theorized he might have been traveling from Texas to California. Despite extensive efforts by the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner, the remains could not be identified, leading him to be known for years as “Garfield County John Doe.”
Two years ago, in July, the state took a significant step by sending the remains to Othram, a Texas-based laboratory specializing in cold case processing. Utilizing advanced forensic genetic genealogy testing, made possible by federal grant funding, the lab was able to construct a DNA profile. This breakthrough provided investigators with crucial new family leads.
A Family Reunited with Answers
Following a thorough review of historical records, the identification of potential family members, and numerous interviews, a possible sister of Marioni was located in May. Her subsequent DNA sample provided the confirmation needed to officially identify Pedro Calderon Marioni as her brother.
This identification represents the eighth publicly announced cold case resolution facilitated by Othram’s genetic genealogy analysis. In a separate development related to the original investigation, the three suspects involved in the murder of Officer Dale Claxton ultimately died by suicide after being located by authorities.
