On August 8, 1990, at approximately 2:00 p.m., landscapers working at a home on Chateau Drive in Melville discovered the bloodied, handcuffed remains of an unidentified man. Upon arrival, law enforcement and Medical Examiners were able to determine the victim was likely a light-skinned Hispanic male, about 25–35 years old, standing approximately 5’6″ tall. He was wearing an orange shirt (with a picture of two men playing volleyball and the words “Off Shore of C.A.” on the front of said shirt) and black designer jeans, white socks, and black loafer-style shoes.
The man had been shot five times—in the back, face, head (behind his left ear), and right shoulder. A handcuff was locked to the victim’s left wrist, while the other cuff was open and unattached.
In 2025, the Suffolk County Cold Case Task Force worked with SCPD forensic artist Danielle Gruttadaurio to create an updated sketch showing what the victim may have looked like just prior to his death. That image is contained herein.
The victim remains unidentified and is known only as “Melville John Doe.” If you have any information about this case or the victim’s identity, please email contactda@suffolkcountyny.gov or call (631) 263-0526.