Riverbed Homicide Investigation

A seven month search for a missing person has turned into a murder investigation.On the evening of Thursday, August 9th Search and Rescue crews found the decayed remains of man’s body in the Ventura Riverbed just North of Highway 101.The Ventura County Medical Examiner has confirmed they are the remains of Jerry Dean Bohannon, who would have turned 50 on August 6th.Bohannon became a missing person when Sheriff’s detectives looking for an arson and battery suspect could not locate him.During a 7-month investigation, detectives from the Ventura Police Department and the Sheriff’s Department interviewing combed the River area for clues.Bohannon was six foot tall with tattoos of a prison tower on his chest and skulls on his arm.Early searches included the help of cadaver dogs but came up empty.The body was exhumed with the help of Forensic Scientists from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Crime Lab.Ventura County Medical Examiners determined, after an autopsy, that Bohannon was killed, but they are not saying how.Anyone with information is urged to contact Sergeant Joe Evans at (805) 384-4721, or Ventura County Crime Stoppers.Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, leading to and arrest and charges. The caller may remain anonymous and calls are not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)Text “BUSTED” plus your message to CRIMES (274637)Text “STOP” to CRIMES (274637) to start a new threadShare your comments about this story with us on the KEY News Facebook page. Connect with KEY News on Twitter Ventura County Crime Stoppers