State police continue to look into Lewiston cold case after nearly 27 years

Almost 27 years ago, on June 22, 1991, two teenagers discovered skeletal remains in a wooded area in the Town of Lewiston. Today, the identity of the body and the events that led to his death remain undetermined.

New York State Police are reissuing a call for tips on the case as part of its ongoing "Cold Case Tuesday" campaign.

State police say the teens were picking berries that Saturday afternoon in 1991 near Black Nose Spring Road when they found the body about 30 feet from the road, in an 11-foot ravine. The area is on the Tuscarora Indian Reservation.

Investigators determined the victim was likely an African American man between the ages of 30 to 45 years old. He was between 5' 7" and 5' 10" tall, and was wearing a white V-neck undershirt and light-colored underwear when he was found. He was bound with cord and had been gagged with a washcloth.

The body also had injuries to the ribs and face that had started to heal before the victim died. Based on that information, investigators think he may have been a boxer.

Investigators were not able to determine how he died.

New York State Police are hoping someone recognizes the man based on the sketch rendering, or has information on how his body was left in the ravine. Anyone with information on this investigation can call Senior Investigator John Dipasquale at (716) 434-5589. Callers should refer to case number "1197767."