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Politics · October 15, 2026

Las Vegas investigators say they've identified shooting victim's body found in Lake Mead barrel

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Las Vegas authorities have identified the remains found in a barrel at Lake Mead in May 2022 as Edward Lelburian Jackson, who also went by the name 'Buddy.' Jackson, estimated to be in his mid-to-late 50s at the time of his death, died from a single gunshot wound to the head. Investigators believe the homicide occurred in the late 1970s or early 1980s based on his clothing. While the discovery initially sparked intense speculation regarding organized crime involvement, police stated they currently have no evidence linking Jackson to the mob or to Las Vegas, noting he was originally from Arkansas and had lived in California and Utah. His identification was made possible through forensic genealogy testing conducted in partnership with Oklahoma State University.

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Reported across the spectrum

  • The victim's name is Edward Lelburian Jackson, also known as 'Buddy.'
  • Remains were found in a 50-gallon barrel at Lake Mead's Hemenway Harbor on May 1, 2022.
  • The cause of death was a single gunshot wound to the head.
  • Investigators believe the murder occurred in the early 1980s (or late 70s) based on clothing remnants.
  • Jackson was from Arkansas and had no known direct ties to Las Vegas.
  • Jackson had a criminal record in Utah involving aggravated arson and fraud.
  • Identification was achieved through DNA and genealogical testing.
  • Police currently have no evidence supporting theories of organized crime involvement.

Reported by only some outlets

  • Jackson was married in the early 1970s and lived in Los Angeles.
  • Specific clothing items included a short-sleeve button-down shirt, blue jeans, a silver wristwatch, and blue-and-white tennis shoes.
  • A second, empty barrel was discovered shortly after the first.
  • Other remains found in Lake Mead have been identified as drowning victims from 1974, 2002, and 1998.

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