A Walking Talking John Doe?

August 16, 2008 by Todd Matthews

To Be Or Not To Be: Benjaman Kyle?

They don't come along very often, but it happens. A LIVING John or Jane Doe.

The man we now know as "Benjaman Kyle" has a very short history for a man thought to be somewhere in his mid 50's.

Four years ago a man was found naked, beaten and covered in fire ant bites beside a dumpster behind a Burger King in Richmond Hill, Georgia. No identification unable to remember his name and where he comes from. "John Doe" adopted the pseudonym "Benjaman Kyle" until he recall who he is and where he is from

Benjaman feels that he may come from Indiana or Colorado but has no leads to prove it one way or another. He is willing to undergo hypnosis, submit DNA, undergo x-rays for dental or other purposes.

Recently I had heard from the Dr. Phil show from several directions! Producers are a lot like detectives in fact, and they have been thorough in their research. Some time back they decided to do a show on Benjaman Kyle in effort to help find his identity. They contacted several of my Doe Network colleagues as we have Benjaman posted there as 1007umga.

Round and round we go --- and Project EDAN ended up doing an age regression for the case upon request of Dr Phil. Two artists created a variety of age regressed images to various ages -- both hand sketched and digital. These will be featured on an upcoming episode of Dr Phil. I hope that not only will this be able to help ID Benjaman, I also hope that the artistic science of age regressions will also have a bit of a highlight.

Oddly enough -- Benjaman Kyle had already been on my mind along with other living Doe cases. It has been brought up at the NamUs working group meetings. Where do living does fit into the plan? NamUs is a system that will consist of two databases, an unidentified database (UDRS) and a missing persons database planned to go online this fall.

Now one might think that the unidentified database might be the spot for Benjaman. But that might not be the case -- as that database is geared toward the deceased and is managed by coroners and medical examiners. So the next thought was we would enter him into the almost functional missing persons databases managed by police agencies.

The plan for the NamUs system was to cross reference the missing and the unidentified deceased. A living doe was a unique scenario that would require a bit of planning. But never fear we do intend to include any current or future living doe into the NamUs system. I have to wonder if that will be the magic bullet for the Kyle case?

I think the route he is on is the very best route he can take. A confirmed case of amnesia with no detectable history is almost unbelievable. If direct efforts to work with Benjamin to find a clue continues to fail, reaching out to public will become more and more vital.

Estimated age: 50-60's
Approximate Height and Weight: 5'11"; 240 lbs.
Distinguishing Characteristics: Graying hair with receding hairline. Blue-green eyes. Above-average intelligence. Well-spoken. Professional demeanor.
Marks, Scars: Two parallel surgical scars on left elbow (from reparative surgery for broken elbow that may involve pins/plates implantation). Surgical scar on front of neck appears to be from cervical discectomy. Small round scar on left side of face near chin appears to be a puncture-type wound but believes it may be related to former tooth abscess. No tattoos. No body piercings.
Medical: Blinding cataracts in both eyes may have resulted from prolonged exposure to sun while unconscious prior to being found and brought to hospital.
Fingerprints: On file with the FBI in Savannah, Georgia.
Dentals: Three teeth missing from upper front and one tooth missing from upper right side of mouth. Not known whether dental problems occurred after or as result of mugging in August of 2004.

Look for an upcoming episode of Dr Phil featuring Benjaman Kyle. In the mean time -- if you have any tips that might help ID Benjaman Kyle -- we're interested in hearing from you.

If you have any information about this case please contact:
FBI - Savannah, GA
Bill Kirkconnell | 912-232-3716
You may remain anonymous when submitting information.

I can also assist in contacting the Dr Phil Show in regards to this case.

If you have any information on the topics I post, then please leave me a comment, email me at SleuthTheTruth@gmail.com or call my Tip Line at 206-279-9993.