Authorities identify decades-old murder victim recovered from Lake Mead barrel
Las Vegas investigators have confirmed the identity of a suspected murder victim whose remains were found in a barrel in Lake Mead four years ago, with an announcement expected later today.
A barrel recovered from Lake Mead’s Hemenway Harbor in May 2022 contained the remains of a man who appears to have been shot twice in the head, a hallmark of organized-crime killings. After years of investigation, Las Vegas authorities have now identified the victim, though the name has not been released. Retired Las Vegas police lieutenant Randy Sutton, who has monitored the case, believes the death fits a mob-hit pattern common in the 1970s-80s era.
The identification will be announced during a press conference scheduled for 3 p.m. PT. Drought-induced low water levels have previously revealed other bodies in the lake, prompting concerns about additional undiscovered victims.
Why it matters
Identifying the victim may help solve a cold murder case and shed light on historic organized-crime activity in the region.
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