Body of Missing Nevada Man Identified After 44 Years

After 44 years of being unidentified, the body found in a creek in Benicia, California, has been confirmed to be that of 25-year-old Donald Gene Horecka from Las Vegas. Horecka went missing in the late 1970s to early 1980s, and his remains were discovered on February 2, 1980, but were initially labeled as John Doe. The cause of death was determined to be corrosive esophagitis due to ingesting a harmful chemical substance. The Solano County Sheriff’s Office reopened the case in July 2023 as part of the Doe Cold Case Project, employing facial reconstruction and new DNA testing techniques. Collaborations with forensic experts and Othram Inc. led to Horecka's identification through genetic genealogy, confirming his identity thanks to DNA samples from potential relatives. Authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information about Horecka's disappearance to contact them.