The skeletal remains of a Vietnam veteran from Minnesota, identified as Gerald Francis Long, were discovered nearly five decades ago in Arizona. The remains were found in 1975 by farmers chasing a runaway pig, 40 miles east of Flagstaff off Meteor City Road. Despite numerous leads over the years, the victim remained unidentified until August 2023. Coconino County Sheriff’s Office turned to forensic genetic genealogy, and scientists developed a genetic genealogy DNA profile of the victim, eventually identifying Long as a possible match.
Long enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 1969, deployed to Vietnam later that year, and returned to Minnesota in February 1972, where he was discharged a month later. He was last seen or heard from in October 1972 when he told his family he was leaving Minnesota for the West Coast. The FBI Laboratory’s Latent Print Unit was able to match partial fingerprints collected from the remains in 1975 to known records belonging to Long. DNA collected from Long’s family was also tested and compared with those from the remains, confirming the match.
Despite the identification of Munsingwear Doe as Gerald Francis Long, the cause of his death in 1975 remains unknown and could not be determined by authorities at the time of the discovery, nor has it been identified today. The Sheriff’s Office expressed their deepest condolences to Long’s family, who have requested privacy at this time. This discovery after nearly five decades brings closure to the family of Long, who had never given up hope of finding answers about their loved one’s disappearance.
The use of forensic genetic genealogy in this case highlights the importance of advancements in technology and methods in identifying unknown individuals. By developing a DNA profile of the victim and comparing it with existing profiles in genealogy databases, authorities were able to identify Gerald Francis Long after nearly 50 years. This case serves as an example of how modern forensic techniques can help solve cold cases and bring closure to families who have been searching for answers for decades.
Gerald Francis Long’s service in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and his subsequent disappearance in 1972 have remained a mystery for his family and authorities for many years. The discovery and identification of his remains in Arizona in 1975 as Munsingwear Doe have now brought closure to his family, who can finally lay their loved one to rest. The positive fingerprint and DNA matches provide conclusive evidence of Long’s identity, allowing his family to have peace of mind after decades of uncertainty.
The tragic circumstances surrounding the death of Gerald Francis Long may never be fully known, but the identification of his remains and closure for his family are significant milestones in this long-standing cold case. The collaborative efforts of forensic investigators, genetic genealogists, and law enforcement agencies have led to this breakthrough, showing the value of persistence and advancements in forensic techniques in solving decades-old mysteries. The authorities’ deepest condolences to the Long family, along with their respect for the family’s privacy during this difficult time, demonstrate the compassion and professionalism with which this case has been handled.
