Ronald Young, a 27-year-old white male, was found dead on March 31, 1978. His body showed signs of strangulation and mutilation that investigators later linked to the pattern of a serial offender active in the mid-1970s. Young’s age, gender and ethnicity matched other victims attributed to that offender, reinforcing the view that he fit the perpetrator’s selection profile.

The same offender, David Allen Likens, had multiple killings in California between 1974 and 1978 and was arrested in October 1978. Likens died by suicide in custody in January 1979 while awaiting trial, and he was not formally charged in Young’s death. Investigators have said the similarities between Young and other victims point to a connection, but no charge was filed against Likens for this homicide.

If anyone knew Ronald Young, saw him around late March 1978, or has information about his death, please come forward.