Des Plaines, IL – Illinois State Police announced a major breakthrough this week in a 2012 cold case death investigation, identifying a man whose remains were found beneath an Interstate 94 overpass nearly 14 years ago.
According to Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 1, the remains of an unidentified man were discovered on February 18, 2012, under the I-94 overpass at Cicero Avenue in Chicago, after a maintenance worker encountered the body while working in the area. At the time, authorities did not suspect foul play, but the man’s identity remained unknown for more than a decade.
On January 20, 2026, investigators confirmed the man’s identity through forensic genealogy testing, marking a significant milestone in the long-running case. The deceased was identified as Ronald M. Risher, 64, following laboratory confirmation that matched DNA from a possible relative recently submitted for comparison.
ISP Special Agents continued to review the case over the years in coordination with the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, ultimately turning to advanced DNA technology to help resolve the mystery. Officials said the condition of the remains made it impossible to determine an exact cause and manner of death due to advanced decomposition. However, exposure to cold is believed to have been a contributing factor.
State police emphasized that while the case does not appear criminal in nature, identifying Risher brings long-awaited closure and underscores the importance of continued efforts on unsolved cases.
“The Illinois State Police remain steadfast in pursuing truth and justice,” the agency said, noting that investigators continue to work on cold case death investigations and other unresolved matters across the state.
Anyone with information related to unsolved cases is encouraged to contact Illinois State Police.
