On May 1, 1980, a Shell Oil company worker was checking water lines for leaks when he discovered human remains down a small hill adjacent to one of the oil wells.
The oil worker notified police of the discovery and OC Sheriff homicide personnel soon arrived to initiate their investigation. The site was in a remote area of unincorporated Brea near Tonner Canyon and Brea Canyon, along the northern border of Orange County.
The body of the victim was badly decomposed and scattered by animal activity, but investigators estimated the subject had been deceased for about a year. The area was known to be used as an illegal dumping area until November 1979, when a gate was installed at the entrance road.
The following morning, an autopsy was conducted and it was determined the individual died as a result of a gunshot wound and the case was designated a homicide. Anthropological analysis believed the victim to be a male, African American, between 17 and 23 years old, 5’7” to 5’09”, and about 150 – 160 pounds. Investigators also collected several items of clothing from the scene, including a long-sleeved blue and beige checkered shirt, grey corduroy pants and dark blue suede ankle-high shoes. The investigation continued through May of 1981 with comparisons made to several missing persons, but no identification was ever made.
In May 2022, 42 years after his discovery, the remains were exhumed to obtain representative samples to conduct genetic genealogy testing, in hopes of getting this individual identified. The samples were analyzed and a genetic profile was generated. In October 2022, investigative genetic genealogy began, and several distant genetic relatives were identified.
Over the next six months, in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigations, a close genetic relative was identified and comparison DNA samples were obtained. In May 2023, the homicide victim was confirmed to be Lonnie Raymond Thomas, who family members said they last spoke with in November 1978 or 1979.
Lonnie’s remains were re-interred in November 2023 and a grave marker was placed at his final resting place.
Sheriff’s Department investigators now turn their focus to investigating the homicide case. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS or crimestoppers.org.
