Identity of Body Found in Bag at Douglas Lake Still Unknown

Authorities have released photos of clothing worn by a homicide victim as they plead for the public’s help in identifying the body found in a bag along the Douglas Lake shoreline.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office are asking for the public’s help in identifying the remains of an adult male homicide victim. The body was found on on March 10, 2019 when deputies were dispatched to a home on Lake Ridge Drive in Dandridge after the resident reported seeing a suspicious bag next to the lakeshore. Deputies determined the bag contained human remains. The body was transported to the Regional Forensic Center in Knoxville for further examination.

As of March 20, 2019, the victim’s identity is unknown, as is the victim’s race, height, and approximate age. Authorities also do not know how long the body in a bag had been there. Rising lake waters due to heavy rains may have transported the bag from a different location.

Authorities released photos of the victim’s clothing today, hoping someone may be able to identify him by some of his clothing. The victim was wearing a Walking Dead t-shirt, blue jeans, and a belt with a buckle that has an image of a horse and horseshoe in the center. The belt also has an eagle pattern along with the name “Gerald” stamped into the leather.

Anyone with information that can help lead to the identity of this individual is asked to contact the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND or the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at 865-397-9411.