Search continues for identity of drowning victim

The tattoo of a “serpent’s tail” is on the victim's back extending from his waist line up to his left upper shoulder.

NEW MADRID, Mo. - The New Madrid County Sheriff’s Department has released photos of a drowning victim’s tattoos in hopes of identifying the man.

According to interim Sheriff Ronnie Adams, an autopsy was conducted Friday, June 28, on the body which was found floating in the Mississippi River near Marsh Landing, approximately eight miles east of Portageville, Missouri, on Wednesday, June 26.

“The autopsy concluded there was no external trauma or lethal trauma inflicted on John Doe prior to his death,” Adams said in a post on social media. “John Doe’s cause of death is considered undetermined, but foul play is not suspected.”

Located on the drowning victim's right arm between the right elbow and shoulder is a tattoo of an “eagle.”

Investigators attempted to use a FastID fingerprint scanner to identify him but these attempts were unsuccessful, Adams said. Investigators are now using DNA sequencing to identify the John Doe, however, DNA sequencing is a time consuming process.

The white male, believed to be in his 40s or 50s, has a tattoo of a “spider’s web” on his left upper arm and located on his right arm between the right elbow and shoulder is a tattoo of an “eagle.” Also there is a tattoo of a “serpent’s tail” on his back extending from his waist line up to his left upper shoulder.

Anyone who knows the man’s identity or has any information related to this case should contact the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Department at (573) 748-2516.

A “spider’s web” is tattooed on the left upper arm of the drowning victim.

New Madrid County Sheriff's Department