December 14, 2009

1997 John Doe Homicide Victim Identified

On June 14, 1997, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Homicide detectives responded to a field located in the 4300 block of the Garden Highway regarding a dead body. The death of the adult male was classified as a homicide. However; due to the condition of the body the remains were never identified and the victim was listed as “John Doe.” The case was investigated but remains unsolved.

A vehicle was seen leaving the area where the body was found. The vehicle was described as possibly a 1969-1973 Chrysler New Yorker or similar type vehicle, with two-tone paint. The body of the vehicle was light blue and the top was darker blue.

Recently, a detective assigned to assist with Cold Case Investigations reviewed this John Doe homicide case and thought there may be a connection to the June 1997 missing persons case of  G. “Steven” Yager who was 47-years-old at the time. Although the physical description did not match exactly, the detective took tissue samples from the John Doe autopsy to the California Department of Justice Laboratory for comparison. One of Steven Yager’s relatives had submitted a DNA sample which was uploaded into the Missing Person Data Base.

In November of 2009 the Sheriff’s Department received confirmation that the “John Doe” murder victim was in fact Steven Yager.

The case has been re-opened and investigators are looking for information regarding Steven Yager and the circumstances surrounding his death. Yager lived in the area of Fulton Avenue and Marconi Avenue when he was killed. It is believed that Yager frequented pool halls and card rooms in that same area.

Attached are the most recent picture of Steven Yager and a photo of a similar type vehicle that was seen leaving the scene where Yager’s body was found. Anyone with information about this case is urged to call Sheriff’s Homicide detectives at (916) 874-5057 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP; or send a text message tip by texting to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Sergeant Tim Curran,
Sheriff's Spokesman

G. Steven Yager (circa 1997, 47-years-old)

Blue vehicle similar to one seen leaving the area where Steven Yager’s body was found in 1997.