From Wade Mathews, Garfield Co. Sheriff’s Office PIO
Garfield County, Utah — Garfield County Sheriff’s Office investigators have identified human remains discovered nearly 28 years ago in a remote area of eastern Garfield County, bringing long-awaited answers to a family and marking a significant milestone in a decades-long investigation.
Positive identification of the remains was made possible through the assistance of the Utah Department of Public Safety State Bureau of Investigation and Othram, a forensic laboratory specializing in human identification and cold case investigations.
The investigation began on June 2, 1998, when partially skeletonized human remains were discovered in the Hogsprings area near Ticaboo, Utah, within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The remains were located near a drainage path and were partially covered by sand, rock, and dirt.
The discovery occurred during an extensive manhunt for three fugitives suspected in the murder of a Colorado police officer and the attempted murder of a San Juan County Sheriff’s deputy, along with multiple other law enforcement officers. Investigators from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation were searching the area after receiving information from a psychic regarding the possible whereabouts of the fugitives. During that search, a Colorado Bureau of Investigation agent located the human remains.
Investigators determined that the remains were unrelated to the fugitive investigation and there was no evidence connecting the deceased individual to the suspects being sought. The discovery instead initiated a separate death investigation that would remain unresolved for nearly 28 years.
Investigators recovered numerous personal items from the scene, including a calf-roping belt buckle, cowboy boots, a denim jacket, bathrobe, jeans, belt, athletic shoes, a yellow metal bracelet chain with an eagle charm, sunglasses, a brown wallet, a Ford truck key,
and a long-distance calling card. Evidence suggested the remains belonged to a Hispanic male between 25 and 34 years of age who may have been traveling between the El Paso, Texas, area and Los Angeles, California. Investigators estimated the individual had been deceased for approximately two years prior to discovery.
The remains were transported to the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner for examination. Despite extensive investigative efforts, no identification could be made. The case remained unsolved for decades and the individual became known as “Garfield County John Doe.” Information regarding the case was entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as case number UP9835.
In July 2024, the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office partnered with the Utah Department of Public Safety State Bureau of Investigation to pursue advanced forensic genetic genealogy testing. Through federal grant funding, forensic evidence was submitted to Othram.
Scientists at Othram successfully developed a DNA extract from the skeletal remains and used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile. Othram’s forensic genetic genealogy team conducted genealogical analysis and provided investigators with new family leads.
Using this information, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Tom Talbot conducted an extensive follow-up investigation that included reviewing historical records, locating potential relatives, and conducting interviews across multiple jurisdictions. In May 2026, investigators identified a possible sister of the deceased. She voluntarily provided a DNA sample, which was compared to the DNA profile developed from the remains. The comparison resulted in a positive identification.
The deceased has now been positively identified as Pedro Calderon Marioni, who would have been 31 years old at the time of his death.
“This identification demonstrates the value of persistence, collaboration, and advancements in forensic science,” said Garfield County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Tom Talbot. “Most importantly, it provides long-awaited answers to a family that has lived for decades without knowing the fate of their loved one.”
The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere appreciation to the Utah Department of Public Safety State Bureau of Investigation and its personnel, including Katheryn Moore, Brian Davis, and Steve O’Camb, as well as Othram and its forensic genetic genealogy team for their groundbreaking work in cold case DNA analysis and human identification. The Sheriff’s Office also recognizes the efforts of the many
investigators, forensic specialists, and support personnel who contributed to this investigation over the past 28 years.
This case represents the eighth publicly announced identification in Utah achieved through Othram’s forensic genetic genealogy process.
Although the identification has been made, the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Pedro Calderon Marioni’s death remains active and ongoing. Investigators are seeking information regarding his movements, associates, and activities prior to his disappearance.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Garfield County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Tom Talbot at (435) 676-1126.