Lincoln County 1984 homicide case solved by DNA evidence nearly 4 decades later

March 30, 2023 at 13:59 PM EDT

DNA evidence solved a 1984 homicide case in Lincoln County after nearly four decades. The victim was reported missing in 1982 and had been shot in the back of the head.

After nearly four decades, a cold case killing in eastern Missouri has been solved, thanks to DNA evidence.

Authorities in Lincoln County announced Wednesday that a DNA match identified the victim as Jack Langeneckert, 50, a real estate agent from the St. Louis County town of Florissant.

Langeneckert was reported missing in 1982. The body was found dressed in a pinstripe suit and tie in 1984. The victim had been shot in the back of the head.

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Officials with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office said during a news conference Wednesday that forensic genetic geneaology led to the identity of the victim. The technology identifies DNA through comparision to genetic profiles in genealogy databases.

Capt. David Hill said detectives are working to determine who killed Langeneckert, whose body was found on a farm on June 11, 1984.

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Lincoln County 1984 homicide case solved by DNA evidence nearly 4 decades later