Credit: MCSO- Florida Keys
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Detectives (Florida), Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigators, and the Monroe County Medical Examiner Office have identified human remains in an unresolved 1988 case using advanced genetic and DNA methods.
An unidentified black man found on May 4, 1988, off County Road 905 in north Key Largo, Florida, have been confirmed as Alfonso James Spikes, 61, of Miami, Florida. It is believed Spikes was last seen in April 1988 in Miami after leaving his residence to meet an unknown individual. At this time, the identity of that person, as well as the circumstances surrounding how he ultimately ended up in Monroe County, remained unknown.
Spikes was found covered with trash and wrapped in three sheets. His shirt had been pulled forward over his head. The body was in advanced decomposition with partial skeletonization. The Monroe County Medical Examiner ruled the cause and manner of death as undetermined (probable homicide).
In December 2023, a sample was submitted to FDLE’s crime laboratories for analysis with no leads obtained. In June 2025, DNA sequencing, genetic genealogy, and other advanced scientific methods were employed during the investigation.
In March 2026, the results confirmed the identity of the decedent as Spikes. The identification was a direct result of the collaboration between MCSO Major Crimes Detectives, the FDLE and the Monroe County Medical Examiner Office.
The investigation into Spikes’ death remains open and anyone with information is asked to contact MCSO Major Crimes Detectives at 305-289-2410.
“I want to thank the hard work by the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office, the FDLE, and the Medical Examiner Office for providing closure to the friends and family of Mr. Spikes,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “Even when cases go cold, we remain committed to providing justice and solace to those affected.”
Republished courtesy of MCSO- Florida Keys