The Kirkland Police Department has formally identified a man whose body was discovered in Kirkland four decades ago. Through advances in forensic science and the use of genetic genealogy, the individual previously known as John Doe has been identified as William D. Horn, who was 35 years old at the time of his death.
On Dec. 8, 1985, the body of an unidentified man was discovered in a sheltered area surrounded by blackberry bushes in the 10100 block of Points Drive NE in Kirkland. He was wrapped in blankets and layers of plastic.
At the time, the King County Medical Examiner determined that the man was inadequately clothed for the severe winter conditions, which included snow and unusually cold temperatures. His death was attributed to hypothermia and classified as probably accidental. No identification was found on his person or among his belongings.
For decades, detectives pursued numerous leads and tips, but the man’s identity remained a mystery. The case saw a significant breakthrough in 2019, when the man’s remains were exhumed with the assistance of Kathy Taylor, forensic anthropologist for King County and the State of Washington. The exhumation enabled investigators to obtain a DNA profile from a femur bone. The profile was uploaded to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), but no immediate matches were found.
In August 2025, investigators turned to genetic genealogy as a new investigative tool. The analysis identified potential family members and led detectives to a man named Gregory, believed to be the decedent’s brother. Kirkland Police obtained a DNA sample from Gregory, which was processed by the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab and sent to the University of North Texas for formal comparison.
On Dec. 22, 2025, DNA analysis confirmed the familial match. After 40 years, the King County Medical Examiner and Kirkland Police Department have positively identified the man as William D. Horn.
Republished courtesy of City of Kirkland