The Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner's Office has recently confirmed the identification of a body found back in 1994. Ian M. Shepard, whose remains were discovered in a railroad boxcar in Santa Clara, CA, died on July 18, 1994, but his identity remained a mystery until now. Authorities are seeking assistance from the public since efforts to locate Shepard's relatives have been unsuccessful, according to the County of Santa Clara.

According to the details provided by the Medical Examiner-Coroner's Office, the location where Shepard's body was found suggests that the railroad boxcar may have arrived from either Milpitas, CA, or Oakland, CA. At the death time, Shepard was a 40-year-old white male, 72.5 inches tall, with distinguishing features that included dark grey-brown hair, a mustache, and a full beard. Despite the passage of time, these details are critical for anyone who might have known him or can provide information on potential family members.

The condition in which Shepard was found was meticulously documented. He was not wearing any clothing, covered with a light-colored blanket, and lying on a blue aluminum typesheet. Near Shepard's body were several items, including red and green pants, a sock, a dark green or black duffel bag, a large pair of dark tennis shoes, and a bottle of Nitroglycerin, which is commonly used as a heart medication.

Those with any information that could lead to locating Shepard’s family or insights into the circumstances surrounding his death are urged to contact the Medical Examiner-Coroner's Office Investigations Unit. The office can be reached at 408-793-1900 extension 3.