Skeletal remains found two decades ago identified as missing Hawaii man after cold case breakthrough

The mystery surrounding skeletal remains discovered in Portland more than 20 years ago has been solved.

The remains were identified as Robert Lee Horton, 47, who had moved from Hawaii to Portland prior to his death, according to Oregon State Police.

Horton’s scattered bones were discovered in December 2004 by two people exploring a wooded area near Riverview Cemetery.

Investigators also found a fabric lean-to, cooking pans, food, and clothing at the scene, but no identification. A lean-to is a makeshift shelter often used for camping.

The coroner’s office attempted an autopsy, but was unable to determine a cause of death.

Although the autopsy revealed little, investigators determined the remains were those of a white male, likely between age 45 and 55, and estimated to be 5’6” to 5’9” tall.

A DNA sample was later sent to the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification in 2010, but all database efforts to identify the skeletal remains came up unsuccessful.

Eight years later, investigators received a federal grant to use advanced DNA testing techniques to help crack unidentified remains cases.

The remains were identified as Robert Lee Horton, 47, from Hawaii
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The remains were identified as Robert Lee Horton, 47, from Hawaii

The team was able to extract DNA from the bone, and in 2022, they finally received a genetic genealogy report.

The test revealed Horton’s distant family connections, and although investigators moved closer to solving the mystery, there was still little progress in identifying him.

In late 2025, the case was reopened, and after diving down the man’s family tree, Horton was identified as the likely match.

‘Incredibly, by early 2026, Robert Lee Horton, born in 1957, had been identified as a likely candidate who had been missing since 2004,’ Oregon State Police said in a press release.

Horton’s family told police they had tried to contact the 47-year-old after he moved, but were unable to as he stopped receiving mail.

After receiving a DNA sample from Horton’s mother, results confirmed a “100 percent probability of a parental relationship.”

Two decades later, she learned of her son’s death, but died shortly after, Oregon State Police said.

Horton's bones were discovered in December 2004 by two people exploring a wooded area near Riverview Cemetery
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Horton’s bones were discovered in December 2004 by two people exploring a wooded area near Riverview Cemetery

The coroner’s office attempted an autopsy, but was unable to determine a cause of death
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The coroner’s office attempted an autopsy, but was unable to determine a cause of death

‘While no amount of time can lessen the loss experienced by Robert Horton’s loved ones, we hope this identification brings a measure of closure and answers they have long deserved,’ Portland Police Chief Bob Day said in a statement.

‘PPB is proud to have played a role in this case with our partners, and we remain committed to using every available tool to seek the truth and provide resolution for families impacted by tragedy,’ he added.