MANHUNT: Have You Seen This Person?

Police Hunt ‘Buddy Holly’ Suspect

By Gil Brady, 5-30-07

	Composite image of last Sunday's Elk Run Arsonist, courtesy of JPD

JACKSON, Wyo.— Police here have released the image of a man wanted in connection with a spree of arsons and burglaries last Sunday morning.

Authorities have not ruled out whether this weekend’s condo arsons were related to the torching of three SUV-type vehicles elsewhere in Jackson early April 26.

The suspect is described as a thin, olive-looking white male in his 20’s, 5’ 8” to 5’10” tall, with medium to short black hair.

Sgt. Scott Terry of the Jackson Police Department said Wednesday that the sketch was based on “multiple-good” eyewitness’ accounts, and that the suspect was seen allegedly leaving one condominium with the stolen goods from another while telling people he had been drinking.

The supervising investigator also considered all the crimes May 27 in the same Elk Run Lane complex “serious” and believed to have been committed by one man.

“This is the guy,” Terry said while pointing at the composite image of a man sporting black, Buddy Holly-styled rectangular glasses.

Addressing the suspect directly, the sergeant added: “And we will get you. You’re dangerous and I’ve got every cop on every corner turning over every rock. The best thing you can do is turn yourself in before someone gets hurt.”

Terry was confident that with so many people having seen the ‘Buddy Holly’ suspect, it was only a matter of time before someone provided his name. “We’ve got all the physical evidence to put him at the scene and get a conviction.”

Investigators believe the suspect attempted to burglarize two vehicles and torch two condos—one being occupied—and tried unsuccessfully to break into other vehicles. The alleged arsonist-burglar was also described as wearing a green top and khaki short pants.

Neighbors reportedly helped snuff out the fires before anyone was injured.

The burglaries and blazes occurred near where the body of Utah native Jonathan Koberna, 24, was discovered May 23 partly submerged in Flat Creek, which winds through the same Elk Run neighborhood.

“Sunday’s crimes are not associated with the death that occurred in this same location last week,” officials said.

After finding Koberna with a broken jaw and other trauma, sheriff’s investigators initially treated his death as a homicide. But after reviewing video of him leaving a local saloon and other clues, officials this week said that Koberna’s death was accidental.

Tipsters with information about the ‘Buddy Holly’ suspect can call (307) 733-2331 or (307) 733-5148. Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward in this case.

Like this story? Get more! Sign up for our free newsletters.