One major question surrounding a cold case that has mystified police and the public for the last two decades has finally been answered, but it’s leading to even further questions as the investigation moves into a new phase.
A severed head, found near Minerals Road in Conception Bay South in 2001 has finally been identified using genetic genealogy. RNC Constable James Cadigan says at the time, police exhausted all available investigative techniques to identify the skull.
Despite cross-referencing known missing persons cases, an extensive search of the area, DNA and dental analysis, forensic cranial facial reconstruction and tips received from across North America, they were unable to identify the remains.
RNC say the remains have now been positively identified and belong to Cuban national Temistocle Casas, also known as “Temy,” thanks to genetic genealogy. A match was made with a distant cousin through GEDmatch in January of 2022, but that relative knew nothing about the victim.
A match to a first cousin was made in February of this year, and that cousin was able to connect investigators with Casas’ immediate family who confirmed his identity.
Casas arrived in Quebec City from Cuba on a tourist Visa in April of 1992, but there is no record of him travelling to Newfoundland and Labrador.
It is believed that he was in his early 30s when he died, possibly in the late 1990s.
Where, or how he died, and how his head ended up in Newfoundland is something police are now trying to piece together.
They are hoping to speak to Joanne Bergeron who is believed to have spent time in Cuba before April of 1992 where she worked as a travel agent. She would now be about 68 years old.
A dedicated email, report@rnc.gov.nl.ca, has been established for anyone with information to help investigators.
Information can also be passed along by calling 729-8000 or 1-800-222-8477
Earlier Story
An update is coming today that sheds light on the identity of a severed human head found off Minerals Road in Conception Bay South in 2001.
The identity of the man was unknown for years, despite numerous appeals from police and at least two forensic facial reconstructions.
Genetic genealogy proved the deciding factor, and the man’s identify, which remained a mystery for 23 years and has finally been revealed.
The remains belong to a Cuban man, identified by the Fifth Estate as Temestocle Casas.
RNC Constable James Cadigan will meet with media this morning at 11:30 a.m.
VOCM News will be there.