Context:

After nearly 45 years, the body of a man found dead along Interstate 5 in Oregon has been identified as Larry Eugene Parks, with notorious California serial killer Randy Kraft as the sole person of interest. Kraft, known as the 'Scorecard Killer' and convicted of murdering 16 men, is currently incarcerated and has denied involvement in the Oregon killing. Police initially opened a homicide investigation in 1980 when Parks' body was discovered, but were unable to identify him at the time. Parks, a Vietnam veteran last seen in Florida, was linked to Kraft through evidence being processed, including a coded list found in Kraft's vehicle that is believed to tally 67 victims. Recent advances in forensic investigative genetic genealogy, which previously identified another Kraft victim, have now confirmed Parks' identity through DNA comparisons with family members.

Dive Deeper:

• Larry Eugene Parks, found dead in 1980 along Interstate 5 in Oregon, was identified nearly 45 years later, with Randy Kraft, the 'Scorecard Killer,' as the sole person of interest in his murder. Kraft, convicted in 1989 for the brutal killings of 16 men in California, remains in San Quentin State Prison and denies involvement in Parks' death.

• Police discovered Parks' body south of Portland near Woodburn on July 18, 1980, and opened a homicide investigation after failing to identify him. Parks, a Vietnam veteran, had lost contact with his family in 1979, with his last known location being Pensacola, Florida.

• Randy Kraft was apprehended in 1983 after being stopped for erratic driving, with a strangled U.S. Marine found in his passenger seat and a coded list in his trunk believed to record 67 victims across multiple states, including California, Oregon, and Michigan. Kraft is also known for keeping dismembered parts of his victims.

• In 2024, an Orange County Sheriff's Department investigator collaborated with the Oregon State Police Cold Case Unit, using forensic investigative genetic genealogy to help identify Parks' remains. A genetic profile was developed, leading to the confirmation of Parks' identity through DNA samples from potential family members.

• Kraft's connection to Parks is under investigation, with evidence being processed to establish a definitive link. Despite his conviction for multiple murders, Kraft maintains his innocence regarding the Oregon case.

• The identification of Parks brings closure to his family, who were unaware of the circumstances surrounding his disappearance until recently. This case also highlights the potential of genetic genealogy in solving cold cases.

• In 2023, another victim believed to be killed by Kraft in California was identified using the same genetic techniques, showcasing the ongoing advancements and importance of forensic science in criminal investigations.