After 30 Years, Homicide Victim Discovered In Pleasant Prairie Has A Name – Robert Dodge

Copied!
Ronald Louis Dodge (Right) Composite Recreation (Left)
(Kenosha County Medical Examiner)

A positive identification has been made in a John Doe homicide investigation from 1993, the Kenosha County Medical Examiner’s Office and the Pleasant Prairie Police Department announced jointly today.
Utilizing technology that was not available at the time and with the support of several partner agencies, that individual is now positively identified as Ronald Louis Dodge, born on Dec. 27, 1952, in Keshena, Wis., on the Menominee Indian Reservation.

Paid Advertisement
Ronald Louis Dodge
(Kenosha County Medical Examiner)
Pleasant Prairie Police Chief Dave Smetana At A Press Conference Today
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

“With the identification now made and Dodge’s remains returned to his family on the Menominee Reservation in northeastern Wisconsin, the Pleasant Prairie Police Department is actively seeking tips for what is now a reopened homicide investigation,” said Chief David Smetana.

Paid Advertisement
Kenosha County Medical Examiner Patrice Hall At A Press Conference Today
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

“The Kenosha County Medical Examiner’s Office remains committed to identifying those individuals who do not have their name,” said Kenosha County Medical Examiner Patrice Hall. “In my almost 20-year career in working in death investigation, Ronald’s case has proven to be the most difficult to solve. I am humbled to have the honor of giving Ronald back his name, reuniting him with his family, and bringing the Dodge family the answers they have been looking for all of these years.”

The body now identified as Dodge was found on Aug. 27, 1993, in an advanced state of decomposition alongside the Soo Line (now Canadian Pacific) rail tracks in Pleasant Prairie, near the Illinois border. After fruitless effort to identify John Doe at that time, he was buried in St. John’s Cemetery in Randall, Wis.

Paid Advertisement
Joe Welsch, Cold Case Advisor Ream Lean, National Missing and Unidentified
Persons System (NamUs) At A Press Conference Today
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

In December 2014, Hall resumed the investigation after learning that the Pleasant Prairie Police Department had retained the 1993 John Doe skull as evidence. Over the ensuing nine-plus years, the Kenosha County Medical Examiner’s Office and the Pleasant Prairie Police Department worked diligently with numerous agencies throughout the United States in an effort to identify the individual.
With the assistance of NamUs (the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System), the Michigan State Police Crime Lab, the DNA Doe Project, and Forensic Anthropologist Dr. Janamarie Truesdell, a positive identification was made earlier this year.

Hall said it has been determined Dodge was a victim of homicide. At this time, no suspects, persons of interest, or leads have been identified, Smetana said.

“Our work now continues in the case as new forensic testing has determined that Ronald Dodge suffered a gunshot wound near the time of his death,” Smetana said. “Our detectives are requesting anyone with any information on this case to come forward and help our agency in bringing justice to the Dodge family.”

In the course of the investigation to date, it has been determined Dodge was married and was possibly living on the north side of Chicago at the time of his death. Dodge’s wife, Kathryn Erickson, died in Chicago in November 1993.

Paid Advertisement

Timeline of investigation:

In reopening the case in December 2014, the Kenosha County Medical Examiner’s Office began working with multiple agencies, including the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification (UNTCHI) of the behalf of NamUs, and Commander Jason Moran with the Cook County (Illinois) Sheriff’s Department to try different avenues of identifying 1993 John Doe.

In October 2015, specimens from 1993 John Doe were sent to the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification (UNTCHI) on the behalf of NamUs. The specimens underwent anthropologic analysis, and DNA was extracted and entered into CODIS and the FBI’s National DNA Index System (NDIS).

In June 2016, UNTSHI Forensic Anthropologist Dr. Wendy McQuade was able to determine the decedent was male, possibly between 40 to 60 years of age, and possibly of Native American, Hispanic, or Caucasian ancestry, or a blend of all three races.

In April 2017, Dr. Jane Harris of the Michigan State Police Crime Lab completed a reconstruction of 1993 John Doe’s skull, creating reconstruction photos that were then released to the public in an attempt to identify the individual.

Also in 2017, the Kenosha County Medical Examiner’s Office began working with the Smithsonian Institution to have isotype analysis completed.

In 2018, the Kenosha County Medical Examiner’s Office began collaboration with the DNA Doe Project to explore the possibility of genetic genealogy technology to identify John Doe.

Paid Advertisement


Over the following years, the DNA Doe Project developed leads and a family tree. In the process of reaching out to extended family members, Dodge’s brother, Allen Dodge, received the press release and facial reconstruction image.

Allen Dodge contacted Medical Examiner Patrice Hall on June 5, 2023, and informed her that his brother, Ronald Dodge, had been missing since May 8, 1993. With this new information, DNA samples were obtained from Allen and another sibling, and DNA confirmed Ronald Dodge’s identity.

On Sept. 22, 2023, Dodge’s body was exhumed from St. John’s Cemetery and underwent extensive testing and analysis by Forensic Anthropologist Dr. Janamarie Truesdell. Dr. Truesdell was able to confirm a new cause of death. The manner of death remains as homicide.

Paid Advertisement

Homicide investigation information sought:
Anyone with any information that might prove helpful in the Pleasant Prairie Police Department’s renewed homicide investigation is encouraged to contact the department at 262-948-8910 or by email at tips@pleasantprairiewi.gov. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Kenosha Area Crime Stoppers at 262-656-7333 or 800-807-8477.

Paid Advertisement
Pleasant Prairie Police Captain Paul Marik At A Press Conference Today
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
PPPD Chief Dave Smetana and Kenosha County Medical Examiner Patrice Hall
At A Press Conference Today
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Kenosha County Medical Examiner Patrice Hall At A Press Conference Today
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Cornelia Perry – Tribal Liaison At Press Conference Today
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Joey Awonohopay – Vice Chairman, Menominee Tribe At Press Conference Today
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Robin Espensen, Investigative Genetic Genealogist Team Leader, DNA Doe Project
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Kenosha County Medical Examiner Patrice Hall At A Press Conference Today
(Photo by Nathan DeBruin, Kenosha County Eye)
Cornelia Perry – Tribal Liaison At Press Conference Today
(Photo by Nathan DeBruin, Kenosha County Eye)
Kenosha County Medical Examiner Patrice Hall At A Press Conference Today
(Photo by Nathan DeBruin, Kenosha County Eye)
Pleasant Prairie Police Captain Paul Marik At A Press Conference Today
(Photo by Nathan DeBruin, Kenosha County Eye)
Pleasant Prairie Police Chief Dave Smetana At A Press Conference Today
(Photo by Nathan DeBruin, Kenosha County Eye)
Joe Welsch, Cold Case Advisor Ream Lean, National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) At A Press Conference Today
(Photo by Nathan DeBruin, Kenosha County Eye)
Pleasant Prairie Police Captain Paul Marik At A Press Conference Today
(Photo by Nathan DeBruin, Kenosha County Eye)
Cornelia Perry – Tribal Liaison At Press Conference Today
(Photo by Nathan DeBruin, Kenosha County Eye)
Robin Espensen, Investigative Genetic Genealogist Team Leader, DNA Doe Project
(Photo by Nathan DeBruin, Kenosha County Eye)


Joey Awonohopay – Vice Chairman, Menominee Tribe At Press Conference Today
(Photo by Nathan DeBruin, Kenosha County Eye)


Author

Copied!
LATEST NEWS

High-Speed Chase Ends in Courtroom: One Faces Potential Child Pornography Charges

Kenosha, Wis. — A 23-year-old Milwaukee man who led sheriff’s deputies on a high-speed chase through western Kenosha County is being held on $75,000 cash bail as prosecutors weigh possible child pornography charges related to his relationship with a 16-year-old girl. Jose Luis Soto-Nunez appeared in Kenosha County Circuit Court on March 27 and faces six felony charges stemming from the March 26 incident, including fleeing police, multiple counts of recklessly endangering safety, and operating a

Read More »

New Christian School Opens in Kenosha With Free Tuition for Eligible Families

Kenosha, Wis. — A new private school offering free tuition for qualifying families has opened in Kenosha, thanks to a partnership between Shining Star Christian Schools and Heritage Baptist Church. The new campus is located inside Heritage Baptist Church at 2313 17th Ave., and enrollment is now open for students entering kindergarten through eighth grade. Pastor Curtis McMiller, who leads the church, said he’s excited to welcome families and provide children with access to a quality,

Read More »
MORE TOP STORIES

Salem Man Gets Two-Year Sentence in Fond du Lac Despite High-Speed Chase, Firearm, and Drug Allegations

Kenosha, Wis. — A 24-year-old Salem man with a long history of criminal charges was sentenced to just two years in prison last month after pleading guilty to multiple felonies tied to a 2021 high-speed chase that endangered motorists and law enforcement in Fond du Lac County. Trenton Benjamin Kmiec, the son of local attorney and ousted politician, Theodore “Ted” Kmiec, appeared before Fond du Lac County Circuit Judge Tricia Walker on Feb. 25, 2025. Walker

Read More »

Deputy Suspended Over Retaliatory Traffic Stop After Middle Finger Incident

Kenosha, Wis. — The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office has disciplined a deputy who conducted a questionable traffic stop after a driver gave him the middle finger — a gesture protected by the First Amendment. Deputy Manuel Mandujano Jr. received a one-day unpaid suspension and mandatory constitutional policing training following an internal investigation into the February 1 incident, which gained traction online after video footage was posted to the “LackLuster” YouTube channel. The footage showed Mandujano initiating

Read More »

Salem Elementary Teacher Arrested After Alleged THC-Fueled Disturbance at Home

Kenosha, Wis. — A preschool teacher at Salem Elementary School was arrested late Saturday night after authorities say she ingested THC edibles and began behaving violently inside her Salem Lakes home. Melissa E. Briggs, 42, was taken into custody by the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department just after 11 p.m. Deputies responded to the 10000 block of 256th Avenue after her husband called 911, reporting that Briggs was experiencing a mental health crisis and pounding on a

Read More »

Body Cam Footage Contradicts Pastor’s Claim of Cooperation in Youth Minister Sex Crime Case

Kenosha, Wis. – Despite publicly claiming that Journey Church was cooperating with police, newly released body-worn camera footage obtained by Kenosha County Eye reveals that lead pastor Kevin Taylor declined to give a statement to investigators following the arrest of a fellow pastor now charged with 15 felonies involving intimate images of two women. Gabriel Mills, a former “Guest Experience Pastor” at Journey Church in Kenosha, was first arrested on September 30, 2024. According to a

Read More »

Dominick Black Violates Probation, Faces Arrest Warrant If He Fails To Return To Wisconsin

KENOSHA, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Corrections has notified a Kenosha County judge that Dominick Black, a probationer best known for his connection to the Kyle Rittenhouse case, violated the terms of his probation and is being ordered back to Wisconsin. In a letter sent yesterday to Judge Angelina Gabriele, Probation and Parole Agent Kimberly Ruhle reported that Black failed a drug test, was kicked out of substance use programming, and missed a mandatory probation

Read More »

Illinois Man Faces 46 New Charges, Possible Life In Prison After Multi-Agency Highway Pursuit

Kenosha, Wis. — An Illinois man already out on bond for multiple pending felony cases in Kenosha County was charged Thursday with 46 new counts in connection to a daytime police chase that spanned multiple jurisdictions and ended on the interstate. John S. Miller, 56, of Zion, now faces a staggering range of charges including first-degree recklessly endangering safety, criminal damage to property, fleeing and eluding police, and 36 counts of felony bail jumping. Prosecutors say

Read More »

County Executive Kerkman Announces Call For Nominations For Inaugural Kenosha County Veteran Of The Year Award

County Executive Samantha Kerkman today announced the establishment of a new award honoring outstanding veterans in Kenosha County. The Kenosha County Veteran of the Year Award seeks to honor veterans for their achievements and contributions after their time in service. This year’s award will be presented at Kerkman’s annual Veterans Appreciation Picnic, to be held May 30 at the Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park. Nominations for the inaugural award are being accepted until 5 p.m. April

Read More »

Kenosha Nurse Arrested for OWI After Son’s 911 Call, Claims Police Conspiracy

Kenosha, Wis. — A Kenosha nurse was arrested Friday evening for operating while intoxicated after her 9-year-old son called emergency services, saying he and his brother were home alone and hadn’t eaten. But what began as a routine OWI arrest has since spiraled into a bizarre string of conspiracy claims posted online by the woman at the center of the case. Police responded to the home around 7:30 p.m. on March 21 after the child reported

Read More »

Leadership Kenosha Announces 2025 Graduation Celebration and Award Winner

Leadership Kenosha is excited to announce its 2025 Graduation Celebration. The event will take place on Thursday, May 15, from 5-7 p.m. at The Stella Hotel and Ballroom – 5706 8th Ave. Each year, the participating cohort is recognized for completing the program at a graduation ceremony. The 2024-2025 cohort is made up of 21 community leaders, representing 18 unique organizations.With much to celebrate, KACC invites all alumni and members to join in on recognizing them.

Read More »

Gateway President Ritu Raju Exiting Amid Internal Turmoil, Board Politics

Kenosha, Wis. — Gateway Technical College President and CEO Dr. Ritu Raju is departing the school after just over two years on the job. The news comes on the heels of her being named a finalist for the presidency at Minnesota’s SouthCentral College—but sources tell Kenosha County Eye that Raju’s exit was imminent, regardless of whether she is offered the new position. While Raju has cited personal reasons for the move, including the loss of her

Read More »
Categories
Archives
Authors

5 Responses

  1. Grateful this man has been returned to his family and I pray they get answers and someone can be held accountable. Heartbreaking that the family and tribe didn’t know earlier. May he finally rest in peace.

    16
  2. I always wished they had done several different age sketches of him. The clay reconstruction was so old looking that the family wouldn’t have known him.

    Let this lead to more DNA cases being solved and more quickly. Murderers and pedos beware….

  3. … all the efforts that were taken to get this man identified. It’s heartening to know that our public servants don’t give up just because it’s been 30 years.

    With technology as advanced as it is not to mention how much it will get even better in years to come, it gives all involved satisfaction for today.

    Good Job !!

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

LATEST NEWS
Categories
Archives
Authors

Subscribe to updates

Get notified of new articles. We'll never share your email address.