Decades-Old Arizona Remains Identified as Missing Vietnam Veteran

Skeletal remains discovered in Arizona in 1975 have finally been identified as those of Gerald Francis Long, a Vietnam veteran from Minnesota, thanks to advancements in forensic genetic genealogy.

For nearly five decades, the identity of the remains found in Arizona's vast desert remained a mystery. Known only as "Munsingwear Doe" for the jacket he wore, the victim's fate eluded authorities, despite numerous leads and countless hours of investigation.

But on Wednesday, the Coconino County Sheriff's Office announced a breakthrough: the remains had been positively identified as Gerald Francis Long, a veteran who served in Vietnam and had been missing since 1972.

The breakthrough came through forensic genetic genealogy, a technique that uses DNA to establish familial connections and identify individuals. By comparing the DNA extracted from the remains with profiles in genealogy databases, investigators narrowed down the search to a potential family line.

Further investigation led them to Long, who had enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1969 and deployed to Vietnam later that year. Military records confirmed that Long had returned to Minnesota in 1972 and was discharged a month later.

In October 1972, Long told his family that he was leaving Minnesota for the West Coast. It was the last time they ever saw or heard from him.

With this newfound information, investigators were able to compare partial fingerprints from the remains to known fingerprint records belonging to Long. The test showed a positive match.

Additionally, DNA collected from Long's family and compared with those from the remains proved to be a match, providing further confirmation of the identification.

While the identity of Munsingwear Doe has now been uncovered, Long's cause of death remains unknown. The remains were found in 1975, but the circumstances surrounding his demise have not been determined.

The sheriff's office has expressed its deepest condolences to Long's family, who have requested privacy at this time.

The identification of Long is a testament to the advancements in forensic science and the dedication of law enforcement officers who refuse to give up on unsolved cases. It also provides closure to Long's family, who have spent decades searching for answers about their loved one's fate.