Kern County John Doe was a young man who was found in Kern County, California in 1979. He was a victim of William Bonin AKA "The Freeway Killer".
Case[]
The victim was discovered along an empty irrigation ditch or a reservoir along US Highway 99 near Taft, California and south of Bakersfield. He was savagely beaten and strangled to death. He was also found without shoes, socks, or underwear. Law enforcement believe William Bonin is responsible.
Between May 1979 and June 1980, Bonin and four accomplices were responsible for the abduction, torture, and murders of 21 boys and young men whose bodies were dumped next to the freeways of southern California. This victim is the only unidentified victim on the list of victims. Bonin, and one of his accomplices Vernon Butts did confess their involvement in his murder. Bonin believed that the victim was around 23 and also admitted to stabbing the victim with an ice pick through the ear and nostrils prior to killing him. Although Bonin was charged with this victim's murder, the charge was dropped when Butts committed suicide on January 11, 1981, as his testimony was needed in court. Bonin was convicted of fourteen murders and was executed on February 23, 1996.
The victim is buried at the West Side District Cemetery in Taft. He is one of two John Does buried in the cemetery.
Characteristics[]
- Brown hair.
Clothing[]
- Light blue OP brand pullover jacket with "California" on the back in blue.
- Brown corduroy pants.