Identification of the “Pinnacle Man”
Remarkably, the so-called “Pinnacle Man” — a name derived from the peak in the Appalachian Mountains near where Grubb was found — was identified.
Source: Pixel Merch
This achievement was accomplished without the aid of advanced technological methods.
Traditional Investigative Techniques
Instead, Berks County Coroner John Fielding revealed at a news conference on Tuesday that a Pennsylvania State Police detective had uncovered the key to solving the cold case.
Source: Freepik
The detective achieved this breakthrough by using traditional investigative techniques, specifically by sifting through old files.
Frozen Corpse Discovered in Cave Below Pinnacle
The discovery occurred on January 16, 1977, when hikers found a frozen corpse in a cave.
Source: Wikimedia
This cave was located just below the Pinnacle in Albany Township.
Initial Autopsy Failed to Identify the Deceased
The Berks County Coroner, as stated at the news conference, reported that the initial autopsy could not identify the man based on his appearance, clothing, or personal items.
Source: Nick Youngson/Public Domain
The autopsy did not provide any clues to his identity.
Cause of Death Determined as Drug Overdose
George Holmes, the chief deputy coroner of Berks County, explained that the cause of death was later determined to be a drug-induced overdose.
Source: Freepik
The examination showed no signs of trauma or evidence of foul play.
Fingerprint Records Misplaced
During the autopsy, dental records and fingerprints were collected from the deceased, but according to Holmes, the fingerprint records were unfortunately misplaced.
Source: Freepik
It wasn’t until over 42 years later that the cold case was revisited.
Exhumation of Grubb’s Body in 2019
As reported by CNN affiliate WFMZ, Grubb’s body was exhumed in 2019.
Source: Thorald News
This was prompted after dental records linked him to two separate missing persons cases in Florida and Illinois.
Forensic Examination Updates Profile
Forensic experts in Berks County conducted an examination and updated his profile in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs).
Source: Braňo/Unsplash
However, the DNA samples did not match the missing persons cases.
Breakthrough in August
In early August, a significant breakthrough occurred when Ian Keck of the Pennsylvania State Police discovered the long-lost fingerprint card from Grubb’s 1977 autopsy.
Source: Freepik
On August 12, Keck submitted this fingerprint card to NamUs.
FBI Expert Matches Fingerprints
Within an hour, an FBI fingerprint expert was able to match the Pinnacle Man’s fingerprints to those of Grubb.
Source: DC Studio/Freepik
Following this confirmation, a family member of Grubb was notified by the Berks County Coroner’s Office and verified his identity.
Family Requests
The family member requested that Grubb’s remains be interred in the family plot.
Source: Wikimedia
“This identification provides a long-awaited resolution for his family, who have been informed and have expressed their profound gratitude for the combined efforts that made this resolution possible. Moments like these underscore the significance of our work in offering answers, achieving closure, and assigning a name and a story to those who remain unidentified,” Coroner Fielding remarked.