John Doe found in railroad boxcar in Santa Clara 30 years ago identified

( KRON ) — A man who was found dead in a railroad boxcar 30 years ago in Santa Clara has been identified. According to the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s (ME-C) Office, the man who was found dead on July 18, 1994, was Ian M. Shepard.

The coroner’s office has been unable to locate any of the deceased’s relatives, despite extensive efforts. Officials are asking for the public’s help.

Shepard’s body was found in a boxcar between Reed Street and De a Cruz Boulevard in Santa Clara. The boxcar, according to the coroner, may have transferred into Santa Clara from Milpitas or Oakland.

At this time of his death, Shepard was about 40 years old. He was described as thin, 6 foot 5 inches in height and with dark gray-brown hair about 10 inches long. He also had a mustache and a full beard. He teeth, officials said, were natural.

When he was found, Shepard was not wearing any clothing and was covered with a light-colored blanket and was lying atop a blue aluminum sheet type of blanket. Items of clothing found near his body included red pants, green pants, a sock, and a large pair of dark tennis shoes.

A dark green or black duffel bag was also found, along with possible prescription medication. Anyone with any information pertinent to the case is asked to contact the ME-C’s Office Investigations Unit at (408) 793-1900.

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