Man identified as victim 32 years after fire that killed him

OGDEN, Utah (KUTV) — A man has been identified as the victim of a fire 32 years after his death.

Detective Ty Hebdon with the Weber County Sheriff’s Office announced the discovery on Monday.

In 1992, officers discovered a large fire in a field near I-15 and 21st Street. Near the fire they found an abandoned boat, completely engulfed with a body inside.

The fire damage left the body unrecognizable, Hebdon said. He added that no personal items were found at the scene of the fire.

An autopsy of the body revealed that the victim was a man between 30 and 45 years old. Dental records of missing people in the state were reviewed and none were found to be a match.

Hebdon said detectives were able to use advanced DNA testing in 2024, including genealogical testing, which allowed them to identify the victim as 30-year-old Kevin Lynn Capps.

He left behind a 4-year-old daughter at the time of his death, who police have contacted, Hebdon said.

No suspects were named in the announcement.

Someone named Chelsea LaRoe left a comment on the Weber County Sheriff’s Office Facebook post saying, “Thank you so much detectives for the update on my father’s missing cold case. I couldn’t be more grateful for your services. You guys are doing a great job.” function!”

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