Missing Sacramento man’s body identified in 2001 cold case

(FOX40.COM) — The identity of a man’s body that was found more than 20 years ago in a Solano County waterway has been identified, according to the Solano County Sheriff’s Office.

After being exhumed in 2023 and meticulously analyzed by Solano County Coroner investigators and forensic staff the body has been identified as Craig William Ott of Sacramento.

Ott’s body was discovered in 2001 along Minor Slough on Ryer Island near Rio Vista and remained known as John Doe #3 after a year-long attempt to identify him failed and he was laid to rest.

Advancements in DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy allowed for Ott’s body to be identified.

“The Solano County Coroner’s Office extends our thanks to Othram Inc. and the California Department of Justice for their invaluable assistance in identifying Mr. Ott,” the sheriff’s office wrote in a news release. “Their expertise and dedication have been instrumental in this process.”

With Ott’s identity being confirmed the sheriff’s office is now asking for those with information about his disappearance to contact Detective Christopher Cavazos at 707-784-7050.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.