Santa Cruz: A body found in 1998 has been identified as 22 year old Eric P. Cupo.

On Sunday, December 27th, 1998, a dead body wrapped in a tarp was discovered after if had been thrown down a hillside in rural Santa Cruz. When the remains were discovered, the body’s level of decomposition made identification of the victim nearly impossible. While three people were convicted for the murder of Cupo, it took over 20 years for the victim to be identified.

It was thanks to recent technological advances in forensic genetic genealogy that authorities were able to identify Cupo. While it is unknown when Cupo ended up in California, his family is relieved to find closure as to his hereabouts, even after so many years.