EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KOAA) — The El Paso County Sheriff's Office says after nearly 40 years and with the help of new DNA testing, they were able to identify the remains of a man found in El Paso County in 1986.
According to a sheriff's office news release, the remains of Peter Joseph Paskovich Jr. were found in November 1986 at a ranch west of I-25 in the southern part of El Paso County.
At the time of the discovery, it was determined that the man died as a result of a gunshot to the head, and Paskovich's death was ruled a homicide.
However, despite efforts to create a DNA profile and facial reconstruction with the skull, his identity remained unknown for nearly 40 years.
"They were shocked, I think, to hear about this," said Cassandra Sebastian, EPCSO public information officer, about Paskovich's family learning of the DNA confirmation. "I think any family that had a person missing for 40 years, getting a phone call from a detective from an agency so far away, right?"
Sebastian said the family relocated to San Antonio, Tex., which is where Paskovich's younger brother still resides.
"I'm happy that they found him because it's been a big burden on us, our whole family. Ever since day one, he's been missing, said brother Richard Paskovich in a recorded video. "It's hard. It would be amazing if we can find more information out for what other people know. If they can let us know what's going on, that would help us out tremendously."
In 2025, when the sheriff's office was revisiting the case, they reached out to the Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) Center in New Jersey to help identify the man, and the college agreed to offer its resources.
Through a DNA sample of the teeth, the IGG team was able to use public genealogical databases to attempt to identify possible relatives and create a family tree.
This process led investigators to identify possible relatives. Peter Joseph Paskovich Jr. was believed to be the remains of the man found.
After contacting possible relatives and gaining their DNA samples, it turned out to be a match.
“For nearly 40 years, our family lived with unanswered questions and an unimaginable sense of loss,” stated Richard Paskovich in the release. “While nothing can bring Pete back, we are deeply grateful to everyone who refused to give up on him. Having our brother’s identity restored brings us a measure of peace. “We want to thank the investigators, forensic experts, and all those who worked tirelessly over the years to help bring Peter home to us. We continue to hope the truth surrounding his death will come to light, and ultimately, justice will be served.”
During the sheriff's office investigation, they learned Paskovich had extensive ties to the area, as his father, who was a member of the United States Air Force, was stationed at Ent Air Force Base, which was formerly in the Knob Hill area.
Paskovich was also a member of Cub Scout Pack 173 and attended Widefield High School during his childhood before his family moved to San Antonio, Texas. It was also confirmed that Paskovich was in the Colorado Springs area in October of 1985 before his death.
In a Tuesday press conference, the sheriff's office said how they confirmed he was in the area around the time of his death remains part of their investigation and won't be revealed at this time.
EPCSO said they extend their sympathies to the Paskovich family and remain committed to seeking justice and identifying whomever might be responsible for his murder.
"This case is a powerful reminder we never stop seeking the truth, no matter how much time has passed,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal in part. “For nearly four decades, this man had no name, but he was never forgotten. My Detectives remained committed to finding answers, and through advances in investigative genetic genealogy and strong partnerships, we are finally able to restore his identity as Peter Joseph Paskovich Jr."
He was also known to have ties to Clark County, Nevada along with Valencia County, New Mexico. But EPCSO said they're asking the public in a wider swath to include Utah, Arizona, and Texas if they have any information about the homicide.
At the time of his murder, Cassandra Sebastian, EPCSO public information officer, acknowledged that Paskovich might have been on police radar 40 years ago.
"There are some facts in the case that we've connected that do indicate that, but he's a victim and so no matter what, we're going to every victim in the Pikes Peak region gets treated the same," said Sebastian. "They're a victim and we will treat them the same and we will restore justice the same for every single person."
Anyone who knew Mr. Paskovich is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office tipline at (719)520-7777 or Pikes Peak Area Crime Stoppers at (719)634-7867. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Pikes Peak Area Crime Stoppers online here.
The sheriff's office said there remain 28 active cold case investigations.
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