NSW Police are renewing their appeal for help to identify the body of a man – also known as ‘Echo Point man’ – found 22 years ago in the Blue Mountains, after sourcing fresh evidence via DNA technology.
The man’s body was found in bushland at around 11.30am on Friday 4 June in 2004, after emergency services were called to Echo Point in Katoomba.
Despite extensive inquiries over the past two decades, police have been unable to identify the man; however, fresh information has now been received via advanced DNA analysis.
The man is believed to be Caucasian, more than 60 years old, about 178cm tall, of medium build, with light grey hair and frontal baldness. Detectives believe the man was also suffering from significant eyesight problems at the time.
Police say when the man was found, he was wearing a blue button up shirt, a red cardigan, a cream jacket, blue corduroy pants, a black belt, and brown work boots.
Based on recent DNA analysis, detectives have been advised the man’s ancestry is likely Latvian.
Detectives are now hoping this latest information could lead them to identify the man.
Blue Mountains Police Area Command Commander, Superintendent John Nelson, said it’s hoped this additional information could provide leads for his team.
“Despite extensive inquiries over many years, this man’s identity remains unknown,” Supt Nelson said.
“Since receiving this latest information, we have focused our inquiries in this area but have been unable to identify the man, and we are now appealing to anyone with information about a man missing since early 2000s, possibly with Latvian or Middle European heritage, to contact police.
“Police understand this may be a difficult subject, but identifying this man is about dignity, respect, and providing answers to family who may still be searching.”
Anyone who may have any information is urged to contact investigators attached to Blue Mountains Police Area Command or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
