Man found dead in Knoxville rail yard in 1988 identified through DNA testing
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (KBSI) — Investigators have identified a man whose remains were discovered in Knoxville nearly four decades ago, bringing new answers to a long-unsolved homicide case.
Authorities say the victim is James Robert Benson, who was originally from the Knoxville area. Benson was born Sept. 11, 1965, and was last seen in late March 1988.
Workers repairing railroad tracks found the man’s body on Aug. 30, 1988, in the Coster Rail Yard area of Knoxville. Forensic experts determined the victim was a white male believed to be between 21 and 30 years old, and investigators ruled the death a homicide.
At the time, investigators with the Knoxville Police Department and the Knox County Regional Forensic Center attempted to identify the victim using available technology but were unable to determine who he was. The case remained open for years as a “John Doe.”
The investigation took a new turn in 2023 when the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Unidentified Human Remains Initiative helped submit a DNA sample for advanced forensic genealogy testing through a private laboratory.
Scientists were able to locate possible relatives, and investigators later collected a family DNA sample to compare with the unidentified remains. Testing confirmed the victim’s identity as Benson.
Authorities say the homicide investigation remains active. Detectives are asking anyone who may have information about Benson or the circumstances surrounding his death to contact the Knoxville Police Department Homicide Unit at 865-215-7275.
