×

Body found in lake identified as man missing since 1996

OCONOMOWOC, Wis. (AP) — A body found in a Waukesha County lake last year has now been identified as a man reported missing in 1996.

Town of Oconomowoc police say DNA from a family member was used to identify 31-year-old Thomas Engel. Officials say the conditions of Okauchee Lake, which is more than 90 feet deep, preserved Engel’s body over the years. He was reported missing during a boating incident in June of 1996.

When the body was discovered last October, police Chief James Wallis says he was reminded of the 1996 case. He was a patrolman when Engel went missing. Wallis worked with a family member to find Engel’s biological mother, who provided a DNA sample.

It took nearly 11 months for results from the DNA testing.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $2.99/week.

Subscribe Today