The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office has identified the remains of 31-year-old Peter Joseph Paskovich Jr., who they believe died between July and December of 1985.

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. — A man has finally been identified nearly 40 years after his remains were found in unincorporated El Paso County.

On November 3, 1986, the skeletal remains of a man were discovered on a ranch west of Interstate 25 in southern unincorporated El Paso County. Following the discovery, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office searched the area and located remnants of clothing and a belt near the remains, a media release from the sheriff’s office said.



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The El Paso County coroner determined the man had been shot in the head, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide. Since 1986, the sheriff’s office has tried to link the remains to known missing persons from across the country, according to the media release. 

Using the man’s skull, a forensic artist created a facial reconstruction that was publicly distributed in hopes someone might recognize him. The man’s DNA profile was uploaded the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), but no matches were identified over the years, the sheriff’s office said.

With no identification and few investigative leads, the man’s identity remained unknown for nearly four decades.

In 2025, detectives with the sheriff’s office cold case division contacted the the Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) Center, which is located in New Jersey. After evaluating the case, Ramapo College offered its assistance, including laboratory and genealogical resources, to help identify the man, according to the sheriff’s office.

Astrea Forensics developed a DNA profile from the unidentified man’s teeth. The Ramapo College IGG team then used publicly accessible genealogical databases to identify potential relatives and construct the victim’s family tree, the media release says.

Through the research, investigators found a likely identity for the remains: 31-year-old Peter Joseph Paskovich Jr. Detectives then located the man’s relatives and obtained DNA samples for comparison.

In April 2026, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation confirmed the relatives’ DNA matched the skeletal remains, verifying they belonged to Paskovich, the sheriff’s office said.

The investigation determined that Paskovich had ties to Colorado Springs as his father served in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at what was known at the time as the Ent Air Force Base. Paskovich was also a member of Cub Scout Pack 173 and attended Widefield High School before his family relocated to San Antonio, Texas, according to the sheriff’s office. He was confirmed to be in the Colorado Springs area in October 1985.

Paskovich also had ties to Clark County, Nevada, and Valencia County, New Mexico, the media release says.

“This case is a powerful reminder we never stop seeking the truth, no matter how much time has passed,” El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal said in the media release. “For nearly four decades, this man had no name, but he was never forgotten. My Detectives remained committed to finding answers, and through advances in investigative genetic genealogy and strong partnerships, we are finally able to restore his identity as Peter Joseph Paskovich Jr.”

According to the sheriff’s office, without the advancements in DNA testing and genetic genealogy, Paskovich would never have been identified. Funding for the testing and identification process was provided by the Ramapo College IGG Center.

“For nearly 40 years, our family lived with unanswered questions and an unimaginable sense of loss,” said Richard Paskovich, the victim’s brother. “While nothing can bring Pete back, we are deeply grateful to everyone who refused to give up on him. Having our brother’s identity restored brings us a measure of peace.”

Although Paskovich has been identified, the case remains a homicide investigation, the sheriff’s office said. Detectives believe Paskovich was killed between July and December of 1985.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who knew Paskovich  to contact the their tip line at 719-520-7777 or the Pikes Peak Area Crime Stoppers at 719-634-7867. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Pikes Peak Area Crime Stoppers online.