DNA puts name to remains found in Tucson in 1987

Kenneth Spuller, formerly known as the “Blue Paint John Doe” because of distinctive paint stains on his shoes, was identified through genetic genealogy this month after detectives located a possible relative living in Florida. The relative’s DNA confirmed Spuller’s identity, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said in a news release.

Spuller would have been 36 years old when his body was found on May 11, 1987.

In the 38 years since the discovery, detectives with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department have been trying to identify the remains found near the 3400 block of West Anklam Road. The remains showed blunt force trauma, and the case was labeled a homicide.

Detectives remained stumped until advancements in genetic genealogy gave them a new avenue to pursue the case. The investigation into the man’s death is ongoing.

The collaboration between the Sheriff’s Department and various genetic genealogists and lab partners was important in closing this chapter of the “Blue Paint John Doe” case, and bringing closure to the Spuller family, they said.

“After many years of uncertainty, a name has been returned to Blue Paint John Doe, Kenneth Spuller,” Resolve Forensics posted on its LinkedIn page.

“Behind every missing and unidentified individual are family and friends searching for answers, and today, his loved ones can begin the long process of healing,” The company post said. “Every identification is uniquely impactful and solid testament to what’s possible when science, persistence and compassion come together.”