MEDINA COUNTY, Texas — In a press release from the Medina County Sheriff’s Office, deputies confirmed a significant breakthrough in a decades-old cold case after investigators positively identified a body found nearly 45 years ago.
On November 26, 1979, authorities say the remains of an unidentified individual were discovered off the previously named Red Wing Road in Castroville, Texas. Despite extensive efforts at the time, investigators were unable to determine the identity of the deceased, leading the case to go cold.
After several decades of persistent investigative efforts, the body was recently identified as Gary Alan Robbins.
According to the release, recent advances in DNA analysis provided the tools necessary to revisit the case “with renewed vigor.”
Through collaborative efforts with multiple forensic agencies, law enforcement was able to successfully identify the remains as those of Robbins, a 33-year-old man from Chicago, Illinois.
“Medina County Sheriff's Office extends its deepest gratitude to the community for its support and to the forensic teams whose dedication and expertise made this identification possible,” the release states.
While this discovery brings the case one step closer to closure, authorities say circumstances surrounding Robbins’ death remain a mystery and the investigation continues.
The Medina County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information related to the case to come forward.
Anonymous tipsters can contact the Medina County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-367-2833.