Unsolved Homicide

James C. Jackson

James Carol Jackson of Texas was identified in April 2026 as the man whose skeletal remains were found near State Route 225 in Baldwin County in 1994. Authorities believe he was shot and killed in 1988 or 1989. The homicide investigation remained active when the identification was announced.

Incident date: 1988 or 1989
Location: Baldwin County
Independent sources: 4

The record

Authorities announced in April 2026 that skeletal remains found in rural Baldwin County in 1994 belonged to James Carol Jackson of Texas. Investigators said Jackson was shot and that the case remains an active homicide investigation [1][2][3][4]. No source provided for this article reports that anyone has been charged.

Discovery and identification

Jackson’s partial skeletal remains were found near Alabama State Route 225, south of Interstate 65, in January 1994 [1][2][3][4]. The sources differ slightly in describing the location. FOX10 reported that a passerby found the remains just inside the wood line [2]. AL.com placed the site about 2.5 miles south of Interstate 65 [3]. NBC 15 reported that the remains were about 30 yards into the woods [4].

An autopsy determined that the man had died from a gunshot wound and classified the death as a homicide [3]. Investigators believe Jackson was killed in 1988 or 1989, several years before his remains were discovered [1][3][4].

The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office reopened the case in 2023 [1]. AL.com reported that forensic evidence was sent to Othram Labs in Texas in 2024, where scientists developed a DNA profile. Genealogists compared that profile with information voluntarily available through public genealogy databases, and additional family DNA testing confirmed Jackson’s identity in April 2026 [3]. FOX10 also attributed the identification to forensic genetic genealogy [2].

Jackson’s time in Alabama

Investigators said Jackson left Texas for Alabama in 1987. He was approximately 50 years old when he died and worked as a welder [2][3]. Authorities believe he may have come to Alabama for work connected to the expansion of Interstate 65, although investigator Clint Cadenhead described that employment connection as supposition [2][3][4].

FOX10 and NBC 15 reported that Jackson had served in the U.S. Marines [2][4]. Investigators also said he had emphysema, smoked heavily and regularly used an inhaler [2][3][4].

Authorities believe Jackson may have lived near State Route 225 or at a river or fish camp in the Tensaw River area [2][3][4]. NBC 15 reported that investigators are seeking people who may remember him from the former Tensaw Lodge or River Pub [4].

Evidence and continuing investigation

Jackson was last seen leaving Texas in a red Chevrolet Camaro [2][3][4]. The sources give different model-year ranges. FOX10 described it as a 1978 to 1980 model [2], AL.com described a 1978 to 1981 model [3], and NBC 15 called it a late-1970s Camaro with a white interior, no spoiler and a CB antenna [4]. The car has not been located [2][3].

Items recovered with the remains included a trucker hat bearing the phrase “American by Birth, Texan by the Grace of God” and an inhaler [2][3]. FOX10 additionally reported that investigators found a mechanical pen and pencil set and dark prescription bifocal glasses [2].

Sheriff Anthony Lowery said in April 2026 that the investigation was not finished and asked anyone with information about Jackson’s life or death to come forward [1][2][3][4].

Timeline

1987Confirmed
Jackson left Texas for Alabama in a red Chevrolet Camaro, reportedly seeking work.
1988 or 1989Confirmed
Investigators believe Jackson was shot and killed in Baldwin County.
January 1994Confirmed
Jackson’s skeletal remains were discovered near State Route 225, south of Interstate 65.
2023Confirmed
The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office reopened the case.
2024Reported
AL.com reported that forensic evidence was sent to Othram Labs for development of a DNA profile.
April 2026Confirmed
Additional DNA testing confirmed the identification of the remains as James Carol Jackson.
April 22, 2026Confirmed
Authorities publicly announced Jackson’s identification and said the homicide investigation remained active.

Documented claims

Authorities identified skeletal remains found in Baldwin County in 1994 as those of James Carol Jackson of Texas.
Confirmed
Source: NBC 15 · Corroborated by 3 additional sources: https://www.fox10tv.com/2026/04/22/baldwin-county-cold-case-victim-identified-after-more-than-30-years/, https://www.al.com/news/2026/04/after-32-years-genetic-genealogy-and-dna-testing-identifies-texas-man-found-in-alabama.html, https://mynbc15.com/news/local/cold-case-shifts-to-homicide-probe-after-baldwin-county-remains-idd-as-james-c-jackson
Jackson’s remains were found near Alabama State Route 225, south of Interstate 65, in January 1994.
Confirmed
Source: AL.com · Corroborated by 2 additional sources: https://www.fox10tv.com/2026/04/22/baldwin-county-cold-case-victim-identified-after-more-than-30-years/, https://mynbc15.com/news/local/cold-case-shifts-to-homicide-probe-after-baldwin-county-remains-idd-as-james-c-jackson
Reports differ on the precise recovery location: FOX10 said the remains were just inside the wood line, AL.com said the site was about 2.5 miles south of Interstate 65, and NBC 15 said the remains were about 30 yards into the woods.
Disputed
Source: FOX10 News · Corroborated by 2 additional sources: https://www.al.com/news/2026/04/after-32-years-genetic-genealogy-and-dna-testing-identifies-texas-man-found-in-alabama.html, https://mynbc15.com/news/local/cold-case-shifts-to-homicide-probe-after-baldwin-county-remains-idd-as-james-c-jackson
An autopsy determined that the man died from a gunshot wound and classified the death as a homicide.
Confirmed
Source: AL.com · Corroborated by 2 additional sources: https://www.fox10tv.com/2026/04/22/baldwin-county-cold-case-victim-identified-after-more-than-30-years/, https://mynbc15.com/news/local/cold-case-shifts-to-homicide-probe-after-baldwin-county-remains-idd-as-james-c-jackson
Investigators believe Jackson was killed in 1988 or 1989.
Confirmed
Source: NBC 15 · Corroborated by 2 additional sources: https://www.al.com/news/2026/04/after-32-years-genetic-genealogy-and-dna-testing-identifies-texas-man-found-in-alabama.html, https://mynbc15.com/news/local/cold-case-shifts-to-homicide-probe-after-baldwin-county-remains-idd-as-james-c-jackson
The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office reopened the case in 2023.
Confirmed
Source: NBC 15 · Single-source claim.
Forensic evidence was sent to Othram Labs in 2024, and genetic genealogy followed by additional family DNA testing led to the April 2026 identification.
Reported
Source: AL.com · Single-source claim.
Forensic genetic genealogy played a central role in identifying Jackson.
Confirmed
Source: FOX10 News · Corroborated by 2 additional sources: https://www.al.com/news/2026/04/after-32-years-genetic-genealogy-and-dna-testing-identifies-texas-man-found-in-alabama.html, https://mynbc15.com/news/local/cold-case-shifts-to-homicide-probe-after-baldwin-county-remains-idd-as-james-c-jackson
Jackson left Texas for Alabama in 1987, worked as a welder and was approximately 50 years old when he died.
Confirmed
Source: FOX10 News · Corroborated by 2 additional sources: https://www.al.com/news/2026/04/after-32-years-genetic-genealogy-and-dna-testing-identifies-texas-man-found-in-alabama.html, https://mynbc15.com/news/local/cold-case-shifts-to-homicide-probe-after-baldwin-county-remains-idd-as-james-c-jackson
Investigators believe Jackson may have come to Alabama for work connected to the Interstate 65 expansion, but Cadenhead described that connection as supposition.
Confirmed
Source: AL.com · Corroborated by 1 additional source: https://mynbc15.com/news/local/cold-case-shifts-to-homicide-probe-after-baldwin-county-remains-idd-as-james-c-jackson
Jackson had served in the U.S. Marines.
Confirmed
Source: FOX10 News · Corroborated by 1 additional source: https://mynbc15.com/news/local/cold-case-shifts-to-homicide-probe-after-baldwin-county-remains-idd-as-james-c-jackson
Investigators said Jackson had emphysema, smoked heavily and used an inhaler.
Confirmed
Source: FOX10 News · Corroborated by 2 additional sources: https://www.al.com/news/2026/04/after-32-years-genetic-genealogy-and-dna-testing-identifies-texas-man-found-in-alabama.html, https://mynbc15.com/news/local/cold-case-shifts-to-homicide-probe-after-baldwin-county-remains-idd-as-james-c-jackson
Authorities believe Jackson may have lived near State Route 225 or at a river or fish camp in the Tensaw River area.
Confirmed
Source: FOX10 News · Corroborated by 2 additional sources: https://www.al.com/news/2026/04/after-32-years-genetic-genealogy-and-dna-testing-identifies-texas-man-found-in-alabama.html, https://mynbc15.com/news/local/cold-case-shifts-to-homicide-probe-after-baldwin-county-remains-idd-as-james-c-jackson
Investigators are seeking people who may remember Jackson from the former Tensaw Lodge or River Pub.
Reported
Source: NBC 15 · Single-source claim.
Jackson was last seen leaving Texas in a red Chevrolet Camaro that has not been located.
Confirmed
Source: FOX10 News · Corroborated by 2 additional sources: https://www.al.com/news/2026/04/after-32-years-genetic-genealogy-and-dna-testing-identifies-texas-man-found-in-alabama.html, https://mynbc15.com/news/local/cold-case-shifts-to-homicide-probe-after-baldwin-county-remains-idd-as-james-c-jackson
Sources differ on the Camaro’s model years: FOX10 reported 1978 to 1980, AL.com reported 1978 to 1981, and NBC 15 described it as a late-1970s model.
Disputed
Source: FOX10 News · Corroborated by 2 additional sources: https://www.al.com/news/2026/04/after-32-years-genetic-genealogy-and-dna-testing-identifies-texas-man-found-in-alabama.html, https://mynbc15.com/news/local/cold-case-shifts-to-homicide-probe-after-baldwin-county-remains-idd-as-james-c-jackson
Items recovered with the remains included a Texas-themed trucker hat and an inhaler.
Confirmed
Source: FOX10 News · Corroborated by 1 additional source: https://www.al.com/news/2026/04/after-32-years-genetic-genealogy-and-dna-testing-identifies-texas-man-found-in-alabama.html
FOX10 reported that a mechanical pen and pencil set and dark prescription bifocal glasses were also found.
Reported
Source: FOX10 News · Single-source claim.
The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office said in April 2026 that the homicide investigation remained active and sought information from the public.
Confirmed
Source: NBC 15 · Corroborated by 3 additional sources: https://www.fox10tv.com/2026/04/22/baldwin-county-cold-case-victim-identified-after-more-than-30-years/, https://www.al.com/news/2026/04/after-32-years-genetic-genealogy-and-dna-testing-identifies-texas-man-found-in-alabama.html, https://mynbc15.com/news/local/cold-case-shifts-to-homicide-probe-after-baldwin-county-remains-idd-as-james-c-jackson
None of the supplied sources reports that anyone has been charged in Jackson’s killing.
Unknown
Source: NBC 15 · Corroborated by 3 additional sources: https://www.fox10tv.com/2026/04/22/baldwin-county-cold-case-victim-identified-after-more-than-30-years/, https://www.al.com/news/2026/04/after-32-years-genetic-genealogy-and-dna-testing-identifies-texas-man-found-in-alabama.html, https://mynbc15.com/news/local/cold-case-shifts-to-homicide-probe-after-baldwin-county-remains-idd-as-james-c-jackson

Sources

Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office identifies victim in cold case homicide investigation — NBC 15Open
Baldwin County cold case victim identified after more than 30 years — FOX10 NewsOpen
After 32 years, genetic genealogy and DNA testing identifies Texas man found in Alabama — AL.comOpen
Cold case shifts to homicide probe after Baldwin County remains ID’d as James C. Jackson — NBC 15Open