Calaveras Cold Case Task Force

The CCTFs goal is to solve cold cases. This is primarily accomplished by reviewing evidence and funding laboratory analysis of evidence and human remains that have been unidentified for many years. Forensic services funded by the CCTF have resulted in the identification of numerous pieces of human remains that have been unidentified since they were discovered at a massive crime scene in Wilseyville CA in the 1980s. The remains consisted of pieces of bone and teeth that had been burned and crushed or were highly degraded by other means. Some public sources estimate that twenty people were victimized by the two serial killers and known victims consist of whole families including two babies. The CCTF has submitted over 150 pieces of bone and teeth from this case for specialized forensic analysis to laboratories that specialize in extracting DNA from highly degraded remains. Numerous fragments of these remains have been successfully identified since 2024. Of these several pieces of a female victim were identified and are in the process of being returned to her family. In late 2024 the team successfully identified a previously unknown victim: Reginald Reggie Frisby a black man from San Francisco CA. Reggie had never been reported missing. His family now knows he was the victim of a horrendous crime and can gain closure and say goodbye to their son and brother. His remains are also in the process of being returned to his family with dignity. The team is currently investigating a John Doe and Jane Doe DNA profile for identification. Relatives of both victims have been identified and their identities are believed to be soon discovered. The DNA was extracted from bone fragments and are likely from previously unknown victims as well. Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy experts are currently working to identify these individuals. In a different case partial female remains were recovered from a local lake below a bridge in 2015. This Jane Doe has remained unidentified and is believed to be the victim of homicide. The CCTF had her DNA successfully extracted and the investigation to identify her is underway. It is believed that her identity will be gained very soon. The team continues to investigate leads evaluate and analyze evidence conduct witness interviews and solve cold cases through collaborative efforts with multiple agencies through a multi-disciplinary approach. The funds received from community donations enable the work to continue.