Identity of Minneapolis Rail Car John Doe Could Soon Be Revealed

Authorities have spent 20 years trying to uncover the identity of the unidentified man found in a rail car in 2003.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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The body of an unidentified man, dubbed 'Minneapolis Rail Car John Doe', was found inside a rail car that arrived in Minneapolis in the winter of 2003. Authorities have spent over 20 years trying to determine his identity, but have been unsuccessful so far. However, the DNA Doe Project, which is fully funding the investigation, believes there could be updates on the case within the next few months.

Why it matters

This case has remained unsolved for over two decades, leaving the victim's identity and circumstances unknown. Identifying John Doe could provide closure for his family and loved ones, as well as shed light on the events leading to his death. Additionally, solving this cold case could help prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The details

The man, who was found to be around 5'8" tall and 131 pounds, had blue eyes, brown hair, and facial hair. He was wearing an extra-large red Polo Jeans Co. sweatshirt, large Hanes Her Way green sweatpants, and hospital-grade Medichoice blue socks. A tan baseball hat with a Telecenter CPS logo was found near his body, but it was not definitively determined to belong to him. Authorities have taken his fingerprints and DNA samples, but have not been able to identify him so far.

  • The body was found inside a rail car that arrived in Minneapolis in the winter of 2003.
  • The case has remained unsolved for over 20 years.

The players

DNA Doe Project

A non-profit organization that uses genetic genealogy to help identify unidentified remains. They are fully funding the investigation into the identity of Minneapolis Rail Car John Doe.

Alex Verdoorn

Senior Investigator at the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office, who is handling the case and can be contacted for any information related to the identity of Minneapolis Rail Car John Doe.

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What they’re saying

“There could be updates on the case within months.”

— Matthew Waterfield, Acting Director of Media and Communications, DNA Doe Project (Forum News Service)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of identifying unidentified remains, even with modern forensic techniques. The DNA Doe Project's efforts to solve this cold case could provide closure for the victim's family and help prevent similar tragedies in the future.