For 33-year known knew a murder victim's name — DNA just helped change that

After more than 30 years, police say they have identified the victim of a cold-case murder in Colorado.

In August of 1988, Sheridan police were alerted to an unconscious man found in the 2800 block of West Oxford Avenue in Sheridan, Colorado. Once at the scene, officers determined the man was dead.

But, police didn't know who the man was and never made an arrest. The case eventually went cold. For the last 33 years, police have worked to identify the man.

Thanks to DNA technology and genetic genealogy, investigators were able to identify the victim as Akram Bada’an by tracing his family to Israel, police say.

Bada’an was 36 years old when he was killed, cops say.

“The most important thing in this case aside from getting the victim justice, is giving Akram Bada’an his name back,” said Detective Bryan Penry during a press conference.

Anyone with information about the victim or his death can contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-7867.