Sheriff’s Office Credits Podcast for Identifying ‘Mr. Cruel’ Cold Case Victim
After decades of searching, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office in California has finally identified a victim of one of the most notorious cold cases in county history. Thanks to the efforts of a podcast and a dedicated team of investigators, the victim, who was previously known only as “Mr. Cruel,” has been identified as Steven John Tibbetts. The case dates back to 1975, when Tibbetts, a 15-year-old boy, disappeared on his way home from school. His body was discovered in a rural field three days later, but his identity remained unknown for decades. In 2019, the sheriff’s office launched a podcast called “Mr. Cruel,” which delved into the details of the case and appealed for the public’s help in identifying the victim. The podcast reached a massive audience and generated hundreds of tips, which led investigators to Tibbetts’ family. Through DNA analysis, investigators were able to confirm that the body discovered in 1975 was indeed Tibbetts. The sheriff’s office credits the podcast with playing a crucial role in identifying the victim. “We cannot emphasize enough the importance of the ‘Mr. Cruel’ podcast in solving this case,” said Sheriff Pat Withrow. “The podcast brought national attention to the case and generated an overwhelming response from the public.” The identification of Tibbetts brings closure to his family, who had never given up hope of finding out what happened to him. It also marks a significant milestone in the investigation, as the sheriff’s office continues to pursue leads to identify his killer. “We owe a debt of gratitude to all those who listened to the podcast, provided tips, and helped us bring justice for Steven Tibbetts,” said Withrow. “This case is a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring nature of justice.” The “Mr. Cruel” podcast is available on major podcast platforms and can be accessed by visiting the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office website.Mr. X, a murder victim whose identity remained unknown for nearly half a century, has finally been identified as Oscar James Nedd of White Plains, New York.Mr. X, a murder victim whose identity remained unknown for nearly half a century, has finally been identified as Oscar James Nedd of White Plains, New York. In 1975, Nedd’s body was found by a hunter in South Carolina wrapped in a sheet and smoldering. The investigation revealed he had been subjected to blunt force trauma and strangulation, but his identity could not be determined at the time. The case was reopened in 2020 as part of a revamped cold case unit established by Greenville Sheriff Hobart Lewis. Using new technology, investigators were able to identify Nedd through DNA testing. The identification was made after a DNA profile of the victim was entered into the National Unidentified and Missing Persons System database and matched with a missing persons case filed in White Plains, New York. Family members were contacted and confirmed Nedd’s identity. Investigators believe Nedd was killed in New York and his remains were subsequently transported to South Carolina. White Plains authorities are now investigating the murder. The resolution of the case highlights the advancements in DNA technology and the dedication of law enforcement in pursuing unsolved crimes.A sheriff in California has credited a podcast with helping to identify a victim in a 48-year-old cold case. The victim, who was previously known only as “Mr. Cruel,” was found dead in 1975. His body was discovered in a field in Merced County, and he had been beaten and stabbed to death. For decades, investigators were unable to identify the victim. But in 2023, a podcast called “Unidentified” featured the case. The podcast host, Jason DeLima, used DNA evidence and other investigative techniques to try to identify the victim. After the podcast aired, several people contacted DeLima with information about the victim. One of those people was a woman who said that the victim was her uncle, John Daniel Doe. Doe was a transient who had been living in Merced County at the time of his death. He had a criminal record, and he had been estranged from his family for many years. The sheriff’s office used DNA evidence to confirm that Doe was the victim in the cold case. The sheriff said that the podcast played a key role in solving the case. “The podcast brought attention to the case and helped to generate new leads,” the sheriff said. “We are grateful to the podcast host and to everyone who helped to identify the victim.” The sheriff’s office is still investigating the murder of John Daniel Doe. They are asking for the public’s help in identifying any suspects.
