On May 29, 1987, Collier County deputies were called after two inmates working along Alligator Alley between mile markers 16 and 17 reported what appeared to be a human torso about six feet east of the southeastern edge of a bridge rip rap abutment. The only distinctive feature on the remains was a grim reaper tattoo on the upper right shoulder blade.

The case remained an unidentified homicide until 2003, when a possible match to a Pinellas County missing person entry prompted detectives to obtain DNA from the missing man’s mother and sister in Ohio. Laboratory comparison confirmed the victim as Barry Lynn Boyd. Barry was last known to be alive on May 22, 1987, when he spoke by phone with his wife and said he would be home soon; she never heard from him again.

Anyone who knew Barry, saw him on or after May 22, 1987, or has information about his movements or associates in late May 1987 is asked to come forward.