The person at the center of this case
Ronnie Joe Kirk
Homicide · Open
37 years waiting · since 1989
RONNIE JOE KIRK - MADISON, WISCONSIN
Justice for Ronnie Joe Kirk — the trail went cold in 1989, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
👤
person
Lead #1What was Ronnie Joe Kirk's life history and whereabouts between 1968 and 1989?
👁️
witness
Lead #2Who knew Kirk during his travels through Alabama, California, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wisconsin?
💡
clue
Lead #3How did Kirk end up in the chimney of the Good 'n Loud music store and what were the circumstances of his death?
Ronnie Joe Kirk was found dead in a chimney at the Good 'n Loud music store in Madison, Wisconsin on September 3, 1989, and remained unidentified for 35 years until forensic genetic genealogy confirmed his identity in 2024. Kirk, originally from Oklahoma, had traveled extensively through multiple states, but significant gaps remain in his life history, particularly from 1968 onward. Investigators seek information about Kirk's whereabouts, associates, and activities to establish a complete timeline and determine the circumstances of his death.
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
📞
contact
Lead #4Did Kirk have associates or family members who can provide information about his movements and activities?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
Madison, Wisconsin September 3, 1989 Police are seeking information regarding the death of Ronnie Joe Kirk. Kirk was found deceased in a chimney of the Good ‘n Loud music store in Madison, Wisconsin, on September 3, 1989.
He was listed as Unidentified Human Remains until 2024, when Kirk was identified through Forensic Genetic Genealogy. Kirk was born in Oklahoma and is known to have traveled through the above listed states.
Investigators are asking anyone with information regarding this case to come forward. Investigators also request anyone with information regarding Kirk’s life and whereabouts since 1968 to contact investigators to help fill in his life timeline for the investigation.
Remarks: Kirk was known to have traveled through Alabama, California, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wisconsin.
Timeline of Events
🔍
1989-09-03
Body discovered in chimney
Ronnie Joe Kirk found deceased in a chimney at the Good 'n Loud music store in Madison, Wisconsin
🕵️
2024-01-01
Identification confirmed
Kirk identified through Forensic Genetic Genealogy after 35 years as unidentified human remains
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:September 3, 1989
Last Updated:September 10, 2026
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Case Information
Incident:September 3, 1989
Last Updated:September 10, 2026