“Mysteries and crimes are being solved due to the dedication and work of investigators and forensic scientists.  We appreciate the time and energy spent on cold cases to help provide families and investigators with vital information.”

– CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

SOLANO COUNTY – On august 28, 2024, the Solano County Sheriff’s Office announced the identity of a man whose body was discovered in water on March 11, 2001, and until now, had not been identified.

Back in March 2002, the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Solano County Coroner’s Office, were called to Minor Slough on Ryer Island near Rio Vista after a body had been discovered in the water. The body was identified only as an adult male and was known only as John Doe #3 (2001). The investigation into John Doe’s true identity continued for nearly a year, but he was ultimately laid to rest without being identified.

In July of 2023, the Solano County Coroner’s Office began re-opening Coroner cold cases, including that of John Doe #3 (2001), and conducting investigations as part of the Doe Cold Case Project. The project aims to identify as many unidentified decedents as possible utilizing advancements in technology and science. The hope is to bring some form of closure to the families of these unidentified persons.

The body of John Doe #3 (2001) was exhumed, and for more than a year, Coroner investigators and forensics staff continued the investigation into his identity. After 23 years, through new DNA testing and Forensic Genetic Genealogy, the decedent was positively identified as Craig William Ott of Sacramento. Ott disappeared in January of 2001 under unknown circumstances.

The Solano County Coroner’s Office extended its thanks to Othram Inc. and the California Department of Justice for invaluable assistance in identifying Ott, stating their expertise and dedication were instrumental in this process.