Farmer found man dead 39 years ago, Missouri officials say. He’s just been identified

The remains of a man who died from a gunshot wound to the head have been identified after being found 39 years ago, Missouri officials told local news outlets.

The man, now identified as Jack Langeneckert of Florissant, was found dead in 1984 inside a building that operates irrigation pumps, according to KSDK. He was dressed in a “gray suit with red pinstripes” and a “black cashmere Pea Coat” when a farmer found him in Troy, about 50 miles northwest of St. Louis.

The case remained cold until 2015, when the remains were sent for testing. But the DNA didn’t match any DNA in the system and the technology wasn’t advanced enough, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Through forensic genetic genealogy, detectives with the help of anthropology students and their professor from Southeast Missouri State University recently identified the remains, according to KSDK.

Langeneckert, “a 50-year-old real estate agent living with his wife and son,” had been reported missing in 1982, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

The missing man’s car was found parked by the St. Louis Airport a week after he disappeared, according to FOX 2.

Detectives told FOX 2 that identifying Langeneckert brings them “one step closer to solving the case,” but they need the public’s help.

If anyone has information on Langeneckert’s disappearance, they are asked to call 636-528-8546.

This story was originally published March 30, 2023 at 3:25 PM with the headline "Farmer found man dead 39 years ago, Missouri officials say. He’s just been identified."