About the Case:
On May 27, 1987, highway workers discovered a partially decomposed body along the southbound shoulder of I-81 South, Mile Post 183. The victim died as a result of a gunshot wound to the right side of the head and right side of the body. Handwritten notes in the victim's pocket referred to a truck and trailer number and the trucking firm of J.B. Hunt Trucking Company out of Lowell, Arkansas. A check of this company revealed that John Swartz was operating a tractor-trailer through Virginia.
John Swartz, who was convicted in this homicide, left Little Rock, Arkansas, on May 16, 1987, with a load of toys to be delivered to Edison, New Jersey. Along the way, he picked up "John Doe" at the Petro Truck stop in Wytheville, Virginia, four to five hours away from this destination. At the truck stop, John Doe told John he had been stuck at the truck stop for two days without food. John Doe stated he was trying to get to an uncertain location to go camping. John made an offer to pay John Doe for unloading his truck. They arrived in New Jersey on the 18th of May, and he paid John Doe $50 for unloading help. John Doe bought food and a small folding knife with this money. An argument ensued over money, with John Doe demanding $100 and several of Swartz's personal items in the truck. John Doe threatened to turn in John for having an unauthorized rider and put John's name and truck company in his pocket at some point. The next day they got another load and started back toward Arkansas. While at a truck stop in Raphine, Virginia, Swartz said that Jon Doe pulled out his knife and made threats of harm if he did not get more money or Swartz's personal items. Around 4.00 a.m., several miles down Interstate 81, Swartz pulled over to the shoulder and told John Doe that he had to relieve himself. John Doe got out and, the following day was shot and killed. The next morning Swartz discarded John Doe's possessions and continued to Arkansas. Swartz died in prison. John Doe is still unidentified, and his remains are being held by the Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. NamUs #UP6248
Glasses were similar to the type issued by the Veterans Administration to Vets. The glasses are for a near-sighted person.
White sweat socks with green/yellow ankle stripes. Blue jeans with brown belt (belt contains flaking white paint and has a square belt buckle with a Longhorn Steer), Short Sleeved shirt with a specialist E4 rank (US Army) insignia on the sleeve. . Heavy brown coat with fur interior. Brown slipover shoes. Chain with attached Crucifix.
- Case Type:
- Unidentified Person
- Incident Date:
- 05/27/1987
- Location:
- I-81 S 183mm Rockbridge Co.
- Status:
- Active
