GONZALES - Using new DNA technology, deputies positively identified a body that was dumped in an Ascension Parish swamp in 1991. 

The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office said the person had been shot, wrapped in a tarp and left in a ditch before it was found. The John Doe had no identification, and the only thing that was found on the body was an earring made of a baby tooth. 

Attempts to identify the victim failed until the case was handed to Lt. Garrett Keith in 2025. Deputy Madison Capello ran a genetic genealogy test from the DNA and found a match. 

“20 years ago, this wouldn’t have been possible,” Capello said. 

The man was identified as Donald Leroy Spangler. The tooth belonged to his daughter, Samantha. 

“I have spent all of my life, really all of my life since this occurred, looking for him,” she said. 

Samantha Spangler said that her dad is finally back with his family, where he belongs. 

As for the investigation into what happened to Donald Spangler, APSO said the case remains active.