Even after finally identifying the remains of a John Doe found near a refinery in Cheyenne in 2023, authorities still have a mystery on their hands.
The man, who has been identified as 61-year-old Neal D. Samson, was discovered by workers at the Sinclair refinery in November 2023.
Laramie County Coroner Rebecca Reid announced Wednesday that the remains are Samson’s, but released few details about how he was identified apart from crediting the Wyoming Criminal Department of Criminal Investigation for its DNA analysis that made it possible.
For months, the coroner’s office attempted to identify him, including releasing 3-D images prepared by a forensic artist last November.
It’s unclear if the images led to the discovery of the man’s name or if other forensic methods were used in the identification.
Reid’s office did not respond to a request for additional information about methodology or whether Samson’s family played a role in identifying him.
Initial attempts to identify him were unsuccessful, despite having his DNA because there were not hits in the National DNA Index System of CODIS, the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System, or the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs).
Dental prints, likewise, proved ineffective without prints to compare them to.
It’s also unclear how Samson died, though Reid said in earlier correspondence that no foul play was suspected, and that Samson’s cause and manner of death are undetermined.
No Foul Play
No foul play is suspected in Samson’s death, and his case has been closed, said Aaron Veldheer, chief deputy of operations at the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office.
Veldheer said he had been on site where Samson was found and that there was no evidence to suggest foul play.
Samson’s badly decomposed remains were discovered by workers who were doing excavation work.
He also didn’t know anything about Samson or his history in Cheyenne.
Veldheer said Samson’s family and next of kin have been notified of his death but could not provide any details about where Samson or his family live.
Arrest records indicate he was a transient with a handful of public intoxication citations, but Samson’s name does not appear on any state or national missing person databases.
Veldheer further credited the coroner for her diligent work in making the identification as well as the public’s patience.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience on this,” he said. “These cases are really difficult because they take a long time to positively identify that person.”
Jen Kocher can be reached at jen@cowboystatedaily.com.
