Four years after human remains were pulled from the Arkansas River, Bixby police say they finally have a name: Rudolf "Rudy" Von Koerner.

The Bixby Police Department announced Aug. 20, that it identified the remains through a collaboration with the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. The announcement came after what police described as a lengthy identification process that began when the remains were recovered from the river in 2022, according to KTUL.

How investigators made the identification

OSBI investigators used DNA evidence to locate distant relatives of Von Koerner, then worked backward through his family tree to confirm his identity. The technique, known as investigative genetic genealogy, relies on matching DNA profiles against databases of genetic information, then building out family connections until investigators can narrow down a specific individual.

The process required coordination among three separate agencies: Bixby Police handled the case investigation, the medical examiner's office managed the forensic analysis, and OSBI conducted the genealogical research that ultimately produced a name.

Manner of death still undetermined

The case is not closed.

Von Koerner's remains showed evidence of an injury, according to the department, but the medical examiner has not determined whether it resulted from an accidental fall, foul play or some other circumstance. The manner of death remains officially undetermined.

Bixby police said they are still actively investigating how Von Koerner died and how his body ended up in the river. The department has not released any biographical details about Von Koerner, including his age, hometown or when he was last seen alive.

Police asking for public help

The department is asking anyone with information about Von Koerner's death, how he entered the Arkansas River, or his whereabouts and activities before he died to call Bixby Police at 918-366-8294.