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Police reveal identity of man found in a barrel in drought-stricken Lake Mead
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- After four years, the unidentified homicide victim found in a barrel at Lake Mead in 2022 has been identified as Edward Lelburian Jackson, also known as "Buddy," believed to be in his mid to late 50s at the time of death.
- Jackson was likely killed in the mid-1970s to early 1980s by a single gunshot to the head, but no current evidence links his murder to organized crime despite earlier speculation.
- DNA analysis and genealogical research conducted in partnership with Oklahoma State University confirmed Jackson's identity through a match with a presumed family member.
- Jackson was originally from Arkansas and had lived briefly in California and Utah, where he had legal troubles; however, no ties to Las Vegas have been found, and the investigation into his murder continues.
- Lake Mead's historically low water levels due to drought and overuse have exposed previously submerged areas, leading to multiple discoveries of human remains, though not all cases indicate foul play.
