Summary
In January 1988, the skeletal remains of an unidentified individual were discovered in a wooded area north of the Jupiter Interchange on I-95 in Jupiter, Florida. Jupiter is located on the southeastern coast of Florida, just north of West Palm Beach. The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene where they determined the remains were that of a white male. The man had distinctive physical characteristics, including brown, curly, medium-length hair that was tied back with a rubber band. The man’s remains were transported by the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office. It was determined that the man was likely between the ages of 46 and 60 years old, stood about 5’6” tall, and weighed about 150 pounds. It was determined that the man died due to homicide.
At the time of his discovery, Palm Beach County John Doe was wearing a light-colored T-shirt with the words "Bottle Club and Liquor of Key West" printed on the front, cutoff blue Levi's jeans, a brown leather belt, and size 7 black Converse sneakers. The man showed signs of chronic inflammation as he had a knot on his right shoulder blade, possibly from carrying heavy loads or engaging in strenuous work during his life. It was noted that the man was muscular and in excellent physical condition. 
In April 2008, details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP1210. Forensic composite sketches depicting how the man may have appeared during life were developed and released to the public in hopes that it would generate new leads about the man’s identity. Despite extensive efforts by law enforcement investigators to identify the man, no matches were found, and the case went cold due to a lack of investigative leads.
In 2024, the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office submitted forensic evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas to determine if advanced DNA testing could help identify the man. Othram scientists successfully developed a DNA extract from the evidence and then used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile for the man. Othram's in-house forensic genetic genealogy team used the profile in a genetic genealogy search to develop new investigative leads that were returned to law enforcement.
Using this new information, a follow-up investigation was conducted leading investigators to potential relatives of the man. Reference DNA samples were collected from a potential relative and compared to the DNA profile of the unknown man. This investigation led to the positive identification of the man, who is now known to be John Lee Peppard of Alaska, born October 10, 1946. Peppard was a U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran and worked in the flooring repair and installation trade. He was known to travel between the Florida Keys, Texas, California, Alaska and Idaho where lived a lifestyle that was described as being somewhat transient.
Investigators now ask that if you have information about John Lee Peppard to contact Detective John Cogburn of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit by calling 561-688-4063 or emailing cogburnj@pbso.org.
The identification of John Lee Peppard represents the 33rd case in the State of Florida where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram. Most recently in Immokalee, Florida, Charles Wallace, who collapsed while walking down a street, was identified after nearly 40 years.
Michael Vogen
Director of Case Management
Michael works with law enforcement agencies throughout the United States and Canada on “unsolvable“ cases that can benefit from advanced DNA testing methods. He helps these agencies use cutting edge DNA sequencing and new forensic techniques to develop investigative leads for their cases.