Sean Dale Cavaness, 22, was found shot twice in the head in a frozen field near the abandoned Times Beach area of Saint Louis County on the morning of December 13, 1984. Found lying face down in grass in a spot known for illegal dumping, the wounds and scene led investigators to treat the killing as an execution-style homicide rather than a suicide. Sean had been living in South St. Louis and struggled with alcohol problems.

Investigators traced Sean’s last movements to his father, Dr. John Dale Cavaness of Eldorado, Illinois. After changing accounts, the physician told police he had driven his son to the remote field and claimed Sean shot himself, then that the doctor fired an additional shot to stage a murder and robbery. Forensic testimony later contradicted that story, citing wound angles and the absence of gunpowder residue on Sean’s hands. Prosecutors also cited a financial motive: Dr. Cavaness had taken out a roughly $148,000 policy on Sean and had previously collected about $40,000 after the 1977 shotgun death of another son, Mark.

The doctor was tried for first-degree murder amid intense local attention. A jury convicted him in November 1986 and the judge imposed a death sentence. Shortly after the verdict, Dr. Cavaness died by suicide in his prison cell.

If anyone knew Sean, his movements in South St. Louis, or has information about the family’s past, please share what is known.