Dennis R. McConn was last seen in Kenosha, Wisconsin in 1977.
Dennis’ hairstyle, the presence or absence of any facial hair or eyeglasses, and eye color are all unknown.
On August 15th of 1978, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office was made aware of a human skull found by loggers in a remote, wooded area in the Township of Knapp. Along with a skull, Law Enforcement also found parts of a jaw bone, vertebrae, and a silver-colored Medi-Stud brand earring about 100 yards from the road. The earring is believed to have been used at ear piercing salons at the time. Below is an image from the earring that was recovered at the scene.
When the remains were found, they were estimated to have been in the area for several months before the discovery. The manner of death is believed to be a homicide.
The delay in the remains being identified was due to the limitations in DNA testing. On May 1, 2014, Information was entered into the NamUs database. (There are currently 48 unidentified cases listed in NamUs from Wisconsin). In 2019, Law Enforcement reached out to the DNA Doe Project for help and in early 2021, forensic genealogists from the DNA Doe Project were successful in identifying the remains as Dennis R. McConn. Dennis was born in DeKalb, Illinois and attended DeKalb High School.
Dennis was 29 years old when he went missing. The below photo is a scientific reconstruction from the recovered skull that approximated his appearance back in 1978.
Dennis’ case has not yet been solved and Law Enforcement is seeking the public’s help with the investigation into what happened to Dennis and why he would have been in Jackson County.
Any leads or information should be directed to:
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Crime Stoppers
(800) 228-3203, ext. 199
OR
Wisconsin Clearinghouse for Missing & Exploited Children & Adults
1-800-THE-HOPE (1-800-843-4673)
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