Remains found in Key Largo in 1988 identified as missing Miami man, sheriff says

Nearly four decades after a decomposing body was found in Key Largo, authorities have identified the remains as Miami man who vanished and was believed to have been murdered.

The man’s body was discovered off County Road 905 in north Key Largo on May 4, 1988, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office officials said.

It was covered in trash, wrapped in three sheets and was in advanced decomposition with partial skeletonization.

The man had his shirt pulled forward over his head, and his cause of death was undetermined but ruled a probable homicide, officials said.

The case went cold and the body remained unidentified until advanced DNA testing was submitted last year.

Last month, the DNA results identified the body as 61-year-old Alfonso James Spikes, of Miami, the sheriff’s office said Thursday.

Officials believe Spikes was last seen in April 1988 after leaving his home to meet an unknown person.

The identity of that person and the circumstance surrounding how Spikes ended up in the Florida Keys remain unknown.

“I want to thank the hard work by the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office, the FDLE, and the Medical Examiner Office for providing closure to the friends and family of Mr. Spikes,” Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay said in a statement. “Even when cases go cold, we remain committed to providing justice and solace to those affected.”

The investigation into Spikes’ death remains open and anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 305-289-2410.