GARFIELD COUNTY, Utah, June 23, 2026 (Gephardt Daily) — The Garfield County Sheriff has announced the partial resolution of a cold case involving skeletonized remains found 28 years ago in the eastern part of the county.
The remains were found on June 2 or 1998 near Ticaboo, within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. They were found near a drainage path, and were partially covered by sand, rock and dirt.
The discovery occurred during an extensive manhunt for three fugitives suspected in the murder of a Colorado police officer and the attempted murder of a San Juan County Sheriff’s deputy, along with multiple other law enforcement officers. Investigators from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation were searching the area after receiving information from a psychic regarding the possible whereabouts of the fugitives.
During that search, a Colorado Bureau of Investigation agent located the human remains.
“Investigators determined that the remains were unrelated to the fugitive investigation and there was no evidence connecting the deceased individual to the suspects being sought,” says a news release issued Tuesday by the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office.
“The discovery instead initiated a separate death investigation that would remain unresolved for nearly 28 years.”
Personal items recovered from the area included a calf-roping belt buckle, cowboy boots, a denim jacket, bathrobe, jeans, belt, athletic shoes, a yellow metal bracelet chain with an eagle charm, sunglasses, a brown wallet, a Ford truck key, and a long-distance calling card.
“Evidence suggested the remains belonged to a Hispanic male between 25 and 34 years of age who may have been traveling between the El Paso, Texas, area and Los Angeles, California. Investigators estimated the individual had been deceased for approximately two years prior to discovery.”
The case remained unsolved for decades, and the body became known as the Garfield County John Doe.
In July of 2024, information on the case was entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. In July 2024, the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office partnered with the Utah Department of Public Safety State Bureau of Investigation to pursue advanced forensic genetic genealogy testing.
Through federal grant funding, forensic evidence was submitted to Othram. Scientists at Othram successfully developed a DNA extract from the skeletal remains and used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile.
Othram’s forensic genetic genealogy team conducted genealogical analysis and provided investigators with new family leads.
With the new leads, Sgt. Tom Talbot, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, conducted an extensive follow-up investigation, reviewing historical relatives and locating potential relatives.
In May of this year, investigators identified a possible sister of the man whose body was found 28 years earlier.
“She voluntarily provided a DNA sample, which was compared to the DNA profile developed from the remains. The comparison resulted in a positive identification.”
The deceased has now been positively identified as Pedro Calderon Marioni, who would have been 31 years old at the time of his death.
“This identification demonstrates the value of persistence, collaboration, and advancements in forensic science,” Talbot said. “Most importantly, it provides long-awaited answers to a family that has lived for decades without knowing the fate of their loved one.”
The circumstances of Marioni’s death remain under investigation.
“Investigators are seeking information regarding his movements, associates, and activities prior to his disappearance. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Garfield County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Tom Talbot at 435-676-1126.”
The news release offered its thanks to the Utah Department of Public Safety State Bureau of Investigation and its personnel, including Katheryn Moore, Brian Davis, and Steve O’Camb, as well as Othram and its forensic genetic genealogy team for its work in cold case DNA analysis and human identification.
The case represents the eighth publicly announced identification in Utah achieved through Othram’s forensic genetic genealogy process, the statement says.
Image: Google Maps
