Credit: OSP
On Oct. 19, 2004, skeletal remains were located in the Tillamook State Forest off of Highway 26 in Tillamook County (Oregon). The public’s assistance was sought to help identify the remains and numerous informational tips were received, however, the remains were not identified, and the case became cold.
In July 2021, Parabon NanoLabs delivered a DNA phenotyping and genetic genealogy report that provided a likely identification. The investigative lead generated by Parabon’s investigative genetic genealogy research indicated the skeletal remains may be those of Leslie Page Hickman, born in 1942.
Oregon State Police (OSP) followed up by interviewing living relatives, associates and locating public records still available from that time period. Through this investigation, the remains were positively identified as that of Hickman.
Based on the investigation, Hickman is believed to have been born in Washington County, Oregon in 1942. Hickman resided there with his family before later moving to Grants Pass, Oregon, where he attended high school.
Following high school, Hickman went to the Portland area and spent time in the Umatilla area. He disappeared sometime in late 1967 or early 1968 and may have been employed in the landscaping business around the time of his disappearance.
The circumstances surrounding Hickman’s death remain unknown. He is pictured in photographs that are believed to have been taken during his teenage years. He would have been about 25 years old at the time of his disappearance.
OSP is seeking the public’s assistance for information that may lead to finding answers. Assistance provided can help Detectives provide closure to the living family members. Anyone with information is asked to contact please contact the Oregon State Police’s Dispatch at 800-442-0776 and reference case # SP04396253 and OSP Detective Jim O’Connor.
Republished courtesy of OSP.