Three fisherman found the decomposed body in the Oswego River, just north of Three Rivers in Lysander.

The victim had been smothered. The body was tied with a rope, and the rope tied to two cinder blocks to keep it submerged. The cinder blocks were made locally by Barnes and Cone, in Dewitt, NY. The body was in the water for about 2 weeks before floating to the surface. Part of a light colored shirt was wrapped around his face and head.

In his pockets were a small amount of change, 87 cents and the good-luck charm from South of the Border amusement park in South Carolina.

The Comuto is an Italian amulet of ancient origin. Como means horn, Mano means hand. The charm represents a hand gesture in which the index and little fingers are extended while the middle and ring fingers are curled into the palm. The reference is to the horned head of an animal. The Mano Comuto is used for supposed magical protection to ward off evil. A regionally popular amulet, it is primarily found in Italy and in America among descendants of Italian immigrants.

Additional Information:

Dentals: Available. Extensive dental work done, including many fillings and crowns.

Fingerprints: Unavailable.

DNA: Available.

Clothing & Personal Items: Beige, cashmere, v-neck pullover sweater - Size 42, over a dark blue ribbed turtleneck sweater(size medium). Blue Jeans with a wide brown belt; a pair of 100% nylon, yellow bikini undershorts with red trim. (label of Matt Andrews, made in Israel) - sold at a Zayre store. In 1976 the three closest Zayre stores were in Glens Falls, Jamestown and Newburgh. Florsheim, brown, Forsheim brown leather half boots with side zippers. Size 9 1/2 D. 1976 was the most popular year for the boot, the most common size, and sold all over the US according to manufacturer. Blue cotton socks (made in Hong Kong).

Jewelry: Yellow gold chain with charms of an Italian "Mano Cornuto" symbol, and cornicello or "horn" like the horn of a bull.

Additional Personal Items: Jackknife, 87 cents and the good-luck charm from South of the Border amusement park in South Carolina.