After 30 years, DeKalb County John Doe remains identified

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. (WDEF) — Authorities in Alabama identified human remains that were discovered more than 30 years ago.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office worked with several other agencies and forensics experts to identify the John Doe whose remains were discovered in a rural area.

The skeletal remains were found in the woods near the intersection of County Road 51 and Alabama Highway 227 in rural DeKalb County. They have remained unidentified since December 21, 1991.

Authorities have now identified the remains as belonging to 22-year-old Rainbow Canyon King, from Tompkinsville, Kentucky.

In 2023, authorities sent DNA samples to a forensics lab in Salt Lake City, Utah, enabling them to identify the remains.

DeKalb Sheriff Nick Welden made this statement on the incident:

“This identification is the result of tireless efforts and collaboration between multiple agencies and experts, it underscores the importance of innovative forensic techniques in resolving cold cases and providing closure to families. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest gratitude to all individuals and agencies involved in this significant breakthrough. The identification of Rainbow Canyon King brings closure to a decades-old mystery and allows his family to finally lay him to rest. Our prayers and condolences go out to his family during this time.”

King’s family has been notified about the news.