The DNA Doe Project has identified human remains found on Interstate 90 in Albert Lea, Minnesota, on April 6, 2015, as Luis Gilberto Robledo. A DNA sample from one of his children confirmed the match; investigators estimate he died between 2000 and 2012. Born in El Paso in 1923, Robledo was a World War II veteran wounded at Normandy who later lived in Los Angeles and Mexico. The Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office says the identification gives family answers while the investigation into his death remains open.
WWII Veteran Identified 10 Years After Remains Found Along Minnesota Interstate
DNA Doe ProjectLuis Gilberto Robledo
Human remains discovered on the shoulder of Interstate 90 in Albert Lea, Minnesota, on April 6, 2015, have been positively identified as those of Luis Gilberto Robledo, the nonprofit DNA Doe Project (DDP) announced.
Key Facts and Identification
Investigators who recovered the body found several personal items nearby, including a pair of Levi’s trousers, Stafford underwear, Mario De Gerard loafers, a 10K gold ring set with a ruby-colored stone and coins dated between 1965 and 1992. Authorities initially described the death as suspicious.
The Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) later partnered with the DNA Doe Project to pursue a genetic identification. The DDP reported that a DNA sample provided by one of Robledo’s children matched the remains, confirming the John Doe’s identity. Investigators estimate Robledo likely died sometime between 2000 and 2012.
DNA Doe ProjectLuis Gilberto Robledo
Background
According to the DDP, Luis Gilberto Robledo was born in El Paso, Texas, in 1923. He served in World War II and was wounded during the Battle of Normandy. Records and an obituary located by the DDP indicate he later lived in Los Angeles and, by 1990, was living in Mexico. Forensic estimates put his age in the 70s or 80s at the time of death.
Forensic Genealogy Breakthrough
DDP team leader Jeana Feehery noted that Hispanic cases can be challenging because people of Hispanic descent are underrepresented in publicly available DNA databases. In this case, investigators were fortunate to find close matches on both maternal and paternal lines in GEDmatch, which allowed the team to identify Robledo’s parents and complete the identification much faster than expected.
Freeborn County Sheriff Ryan Shea: "The positive identification of Luis Robledo has given us a big step forward in the case. I am happy we are able to provide some answers to his family after all these years."
Investigation Ongoing
While identification provides long-sought answers for family members and enables officials to share the grave location with relatives who may wish to visit, the investigation into Robledo’s death remains open. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office at 507-377-5200.
The DDP’s announcement underscores both the power of forensic genealogy to solve cold cases and the privacy and representation issues surrounding the use of public DNA databases. Officials have not released additional details about the circumstances of Robledo’s death while the inquiry continues.
