Advisory
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CA — More than 50 years after a fatal collision along Interstate 15 near Baker, the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office has helped restore a name to a previously unidentified man. Through decades of investigative efforts and a collaborative partnership with the DNA Doe Project, the unidentified man has been positively identified as Terrance Lee Ronco, a 20-year-old native of Valparaiso, Indiana.
On November 8, 1974, a van traveling on Interstate 15 near Baker collided with a truck and caught fire. The van’s driver and one of three passengers, a hitchhiker who had been picked up along the way, died in the collision. While the driver was identified, the hitchhiker remained unidentified for more than five decades.
At the time of the investigation, the unidentified man was believed to be between 20 and 30 years old. He reportedly used the name “Terrance” and was also known by the nickname “Lee.” Investigators learned that he may have been picked up in Iowa and was traveling to Nevada to collect a paycheck from a dishwashing job. He had also mentioned previously living in Indiana and Florida.
Decades of Investigative Efforts
Over the years, the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office pursued numerous investigative avenues in an effort to establish the man’s identity and locate a missing person whose circumstances might correspond with the unidentified decedent. As part of the identification process, investigators obtained dental X-rays and entered the dental information into the Missing and Unidentified Persons System (MUPS) for comparison with available missing-person records.
DNA samples were also collected from the decedent and submitted for forensic DNA analysis. The resulting DNA profile was uploaded into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) to generate potential investigative leads.
The case was additionally entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), making the case information available for comparison with missing-person cases nationwide.
Throughout the years, investigators conducted numerous searches, database comparisons, and follow-up inquiries in an ongoing effort to find a missing person who matched the circumstances and available identifying characteristics of the John Doe.
Despite these efforts, the man’s identity remained unknown. One significant challenge was that Terrance Lee Ronco had never been reported missing. Without a missing-person report, there was no direct case connection to alert investigators that someone was searching for him.
A Breakthrough Through Investigative Genetic Genealogy
In February 2026, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department partnered with the DNA Doe Project, with support from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), to pursue additional investigative genetic genealogy research.
The DNA Doe Project’s volunteer investigative genetic genealogists began examining the case using advanced genetic genealogy techniques. Their research quickly revealed strong familial connections to Indiana, along with evidence of recent Italian ancestry. The investigation narrowed to the greater Chicago area, with Porter County, Indiana, emerging as an area of particular interest.
After just four days of research, the team identified a promising candidate: Terrance Lee Ronco. Additional genealogical research uncovered familial connections that supported the potential identification. Researchers also discovered that Ronco had been out of contact with his family for decades, helping explain why his disappearance had never been connected to a missing-person investigation.
The DNA Doe Project presented Ronco as a candidate to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Subsequent DNA testing confirmed that the unidentified man killed in the 1974 collision was, in fact, Terrance Lee Ronco.
Restoring a Name After More Than 50 Years
This identification represents the culmination of decades of investigative work and demonstrates the importance of maintaining unidentified-person cases, continually pursuing investigative leads, and utilizing evolving forensic technologies.
The San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office remains committed to identifying every individual entrusted to its care. While traditional investigative methods, dental comparisons, and forensic DNA databases are essential tools, partnerships and advances in investigative genetic genealogy provide additional opportunities to bring answers to families who may have waited decades for them.
Although Terrance was never formally reported missing, his identity has now been restored, giving his life and story the recognition they deserve.
The San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office extends its appreciation to the DNA Doe Project, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and all the organizations and individuals whose contributions made this identification possible. Because every person deserves their name.
Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact the Coroner’s Office at 909-387-2978. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should call or text REPORT to We-Tip at 844-909-3006. Online reporting is also available at https://mobile.catapultems.com/sbcsd/Sites.
More Than 50 Years Later John Doe Identified Through Investigative Genetic Genealogy
November 10, 2026
Immediate Release
Public Affairs Division
909-387-3700
More Than 50 Years Later: John Doe Identified Through Investigative Genetic Genealogy - Terrance Lee Ronco, a 20-year-old Indiana native and military veteran, identified as the hitchhiker killed in a 1974 collision on Interstate 15 near Baker, California.
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CA — More than 50 years after a fatal collision along Interstate 15 near Baker, the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office has helped restore a name to a previously unidentified man. Through decades of investigative efforts and a collaborative partnership with the DNA Doe Project, the unidentified man has been positively identified as Terrance Lee Ronco, a 20-year-old native of Valparaiso, Indiana.
On November 8, 1974, a van traveling on Interstate 15 near Baker collided with a truck and caught fire. The van’s driver and one of three passengers, a hitchhiker who had been picked up along the way, died in the collision. While the driver was identified, the hitchhiker remained unidentified for more than five decades.
At the time of the investigation, the unidentified man was believed to be between 20 and 30 years old. He reportedly used the name “Terrance” and was also known by the nickname “Lee.” Investigators learned that he may have been picked up in Iowa and was traveling to Nevada to collect a paycheck from a dishwashing job. He had also mentioned previously living in Indiana and Florida.
Decades of Investigative Efforts
Over the years, the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office pursued numerous investigative avenues in an effort to establish the man’s identity and locate a missing person whose circumstances might correspond with the unidentified decedent. As part of the identification process, investigators obtained dental X-rays and entered the dental information into the Missing and Unidentified Persons System (MUPS) for comparison with available missing-person records.
DNA samples were also collected from the decedent and submitted for forensic DNA analysis. The resulting DNA profile was uploaded into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) to generate potential investigative leads.
The case was additionally entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), making the case information available for comparison with missing-person cases nationwide.
Throughout the years, investigators conducted numerous searches, database comparisons, and follow-up inquiries in an ongoing effort to find a missing person who matched the circumstances and available identifying characteristics of the John Doe.
Despite these efforts, the man’s identity remained unknown. One significant challenge was that Terrance Lee Ronco had never been reported missing. Without a missing-person report, there was no direct case connection to alert investigators that someone was searching for him.
A Breakthrough Through Investigative Genetic Genealogy
In February 2026, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department partnered with the DNA Doe Project, with support from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), to pursue additional investigative genetic genealogy research.
The DNA Doe Project’s volunteer investigative genetic genealogists began examining the case using advanced genetic genealogy techniques. Their research quickly revealed strong familial connections to Indiana, along with evidence of recent Italian ancestry. The investigation narrowed to the greater Chicago area, with Porter County, Indiana, emerging as an area of particular interest.
After just four days of research, the team identified a promising candidate: Terrance Lee Ronco. Additional genealogical research uncovered familial connections that supported the potential identification. Researchers also discovered that Ronco had been out of contact with his family for decades, helping explain why his disappearance had never been connected to a missing-person investigation.
The DNA Doe Project presented Ronco as a candidate to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Subsequent DNA testing confirmed that the unidentified man killed in the 1974 collision was, in fact, Terrance Lee Ronco.
Restoring a Name After More Than 50 Years
This identification represents the culmination of decades of investigative work and demonstrates the importance of maintaining unidentified-person cases, continually pursuing investigative leads, and utilizing evolving forensic technologies.
The San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office remains committed to identifying every individual entrusted to its care. While traditional investigative methods, dental comparisons, and forensic DNA databases are essential tools, partnerships and advances in investigative genetic genealogy provide additional opportunities to bring answers to families who may have waited decades for them.
Although Terrance was never formally reported missing, his identity has now been restored, giving his life and story the recognition they deserve.
The San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office extends its appreciation to the DNA Doe Project, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and all the organizations and individuals whose contributions made this identification possible. Because every person deserves their name.
Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact the Coroner’s Office at 909-387-2978. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should call or text REPORT to We-Tip at 844-909-3006. Online reporting is also available at https://mobile.catapultems.com/sbcsd/Sites.
Address/Location
SBSD - Headquarters
655 E 3rd St
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 909-387-3700