In September 1989, the owners of the Good ‘n Loud Music store in Madison, Wis., found a human skull in a pipe connecting the boiler to the chimney. Further investigation revealed a full skeleton with a paisley dress and pointed heels, leading to the remains being dubbed Dane County Doe or Chimney Doe. The skeleton was estimated to have been in the chimney for two months to two years, and an autopsy determined that the individual was a thin man, 5 feet 7 inches tall, aged between 18 and 35. After decades of being unidentified, the skeleton was recently named Ronnie Joe Kirk, born in Tulsa, Okla., in 1942, with family ties to Wisconsin.
Ronnie Joe Kirk’s identification was made possible through DNA and genetic genealogy techniques, revolutionizing cold-case work in recent years. The Madison Police Department has re-launched an investigation into his death, which had remained dormant for decades. Detective Lindsey Ludden, who requested the case in 2018 after observing other cases being solved using DNA techniques, led the investigation. DNA evidence from hair recovered from the chimney was sent to Astrea Forensics for analysis, and a genetic profile was shared with the DNA Doe Project, a volunteer group of genealogists specializing in solving cold cases.
Dr. Gwen Knapp of the DNA Doe Project used the genetic profile on GEDMatch to find DNA for Kirk’s grandparents, allowing them to build a family tree and ultimately identify Kirk as the likely source of the sequenced DNA. This was complicated by the fact that Kirk had been adopted, but further research suggested that his adoptive parents were relatives. Interviews with Kirk’s family confirmed the match, bringing closure to a 35-year-old mystery. Detective Ludden has requested a fresh autopsy to determine the time of Kirk’s death and has enlisted the help of the Trans Doe Task Force, which focuses on researching cold cases involving LGBTQ victims and suspected gender-based violence.
The initial autopsy suggested that Kirk’s pelvis was broken, leading to theories that he may have been a male cross-dresser or a prostitute who met a violent end. Detective Ludden noted that Kirk identified as male, but acknowledged that people sometimes hide certain aspects of their lives. The Trans Doe Task Force aims to shed light on cases involving victims who may not have received the attention they deserved, such as Kirk. While there is circumstantial evidence of gender-based violence in Kirk’s case, there are still many unanswered questions surrounding his death.
The identification of Ronnie Joe Kirk has renewed interest in his case, with investigators aiming to uncover the circumstances surrounding his death. The breakthrough in DNA and genetic genealogy techniques has allowed for the resolution of long-standing cold cases, emphasizing the importance of innovative forensic methods in solving mysteries. Through collaboration with organizations like the DNA Doe Project and the Trans Doe Task Force, law enforcement agencies are able to bring closure to families and seek justice for victims who may have been overlooked in the past.
