Investigators have identified the remains of a man found in a barrel at Lake Mead in 2022 as Edward Lelburian “Buddy” Jackson, a murder victim from the 1980s. The Clark County Coroner’s Office confirmed Jackson’s identity on Thursday, nearly two years after his remains were discovered amid declining water levels in Nevada.
Jackson, 50s at time of death, was shot once in the head and found in a rusted barrel near Hemenway Harbor on May 1, 2022, according to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department homicide lieutenant Robert Price. Jackson, who had ties to Arkansas, California, and Utah, was last seen by family in Arkansas in the early 1980s. His death remains under investigation, with no confirmed motive or suspects.
Identification process relied on forensic methods
The identification followed a multi-step process involving genealogy profiling, facial reconstruction, and analysis of clothing recovered with the remains. Clark County Coroner Melanie Rouse confirmed Jackson’s identity using a bone sample submitted for genetic testing. Authorities have not ruled out potential connections to organized crime, though no direct evidence has been found to support this theory.
Jackson’s background and criminal history
Born in Arkansas, Jackson lived in California with his wife in the early 1970s before relocating to Utah, where he had a brief criminal record in the early 1980s. His record included a charge of aggravated arson and conspiracy to commit fraud. Jackson was married for a period but had no known children. Police have interviewed his relatives, who confirmed his last known whereabouts in Arkansas during the early 1980s.
Investigation continues with public appeal
Detectives are actively seeking information from the public to advance the case. Authorities emphasized that Jackson had no known ties to the Las Vegas area, raising questions about how his remains ended up in the lake. The discovery of the barrel in 2022 reignited discussions about Las Vegas’ mob era, though police have stated there is no evidence directly linking Jackson’s death to organized crime.
The case remains open, with homicide detectives continuing to pursue leads and review historical records. The identification of Jackson’s remains marks a significant step forward, though the circumstances surrounding his death and the location of his murder remain unresolved.