Body found in Winneshiek County barn in 1986 identified as Ohio man through DNA breakthrough

KTTC reports the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office has identified remains found in 1986, thanks to new DNA work. Authorities say the body is Clifton Todd Womack, 28, who was last seen April 6, 1985 in Eastlake, Ohio after leaving his mother’s home to look for a job. Investigators say a rural resident discovered a decomposed body in a hay barn on March 23, 1986, wedged between large round bales. After years of efforts—including a 1986 clay facial reconstruction at Mayo Clinic and burial of the then-unidentified man—officials secured funding and legal authorization to disinter the grave in April 2026 to obtain DNA. A NamUs dental x-ray comparison and DNA analysis/forensic genealogy helped confirm Womack’s identity, and authorities contacted family members. The manner of death remains listed as undetermined. Read more: https://www.kttc.com/2026/06/26/body-... Download the KTTC News App on mobile and smart TVs for more local news