In a tragic and long-unsolved case, human remains found near Garnett, Kansas in 1973 have finally been identified as those of a Kansas City, Kansas teen, Jimmy Allen Dollison, who disappeared in 1972.
After more than 50 years of uncertainty, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) used modern forensic genetic genealogy testing to identify the remains, providing answers to a family that had been seeking closure for decades.
This article details the investigation, the discovery of the remains, and the steps taken by law enforcement to bring closure to this decades-old mystery.
The Discovery of the Remains
On April 18, 1973, human remains were discovered three miles southeast of Garnett, Kansas, off 1550 Road. The body, which had been severely decomposed, was identified as a male wearing distinctive clothing:
- Brown corduroy jacket
- Green long-sleeved buttoned shirt
- Jeans
- Black leather belt with a large buckle
- Brown hiking boots
- Navy blue stocking cap
The victim also wore two gold rings with crosses, a ring with the number “78”, and a silver chain with a large cross. These items, along with his clothing, were important clues in the initial investigation.
An autopsy performed shortly after the remains were found revealed that the victim was around 20 years old at the time of his death and showed signs of trauma, leading the coroner to rule the cause of death a homicide.
| Item of Interest | Details |
|---|---|
| Clothing | Brown corduroy jacket, green shirt, jeans, brown hiking boots, navy stocking cap |
| Jewelry | Two gold rings with crosses, a “78” ring, silver chain with a large cross |
| Age at Death | Estimated to be around 20 years old |
| Cause of Death | Homicide (Trauma) |
The Identification Process
Despite numerous efforts over the years, the remains were not identified immediately. It wasn’t until 2024 that advancements in DNA testing enabled a breakthrough.
The KBI and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office took DNA from the remains and used it to create a profile for forensic genetic genealogy testing.
The DNA testing revealed a match with relatives of the victim, leading investigators to track down Jimmy Allen Dollison’s siblings.
After conducting interviews and collecting DNA from a sibling, the investigation concluded that the remains were those of Jimmy Allen Dollison, who had been living in Kansas City, Kansas when he disappeared in October or November of 1972.
The Victim: Jimmy Allen Dollison
Jimmy Allen Dollison, who was 16 years old when he disappeared, had been reported missing by his parents, but the family was never able to uncover the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. For years, the mystery of his death left the family in turmoil.
Jimmy’s tragic story is not only a reflection of the pain suffered by his loved ones but also underscores the ongoing importance of modern forensic techniques in solving cold cases.
After his identification, his family received the closure they had long hoped for, though they still await further answers about how he came to be found in such a tragic situation.
Current Investigation
The KBI and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office are continuing to investigate the circumstances of Jimmy Dollison’s death.
Although they have identified him, many questions remain about how he ended up in the remote location where his remains were found and who may have been responsible for his death.
The identification of Dollison’s remains brings new hope for the continued investigation into his murder and the possibility of justice for both him and his family.
The identification of Jimmy Allen Dollison brings a sense of closure to a case that has remained unsolved for over 50 years.
Thanks to advancements in DNA technology, a family can finally begin to understand what happened to their loved one, even as questions about the circumstances of his death remain.
The ongoing investigation by the KBI offers a glimmer of hope for further justice, ensuring that cases like Jimmy’s are never forgotten.