Fifty years after a San Francisco, California man was murdered during a trip to Florida, authorities are asking for the public’s help in solving the cold case murder.
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the 1974 murder of James Norris is believed to be one of the oldest active murder investigations in the state.
“We are working for Mr. Norris’ family so they can find out what happened to their loved one,” FDLE Special Agent Supervisor Mike Kennedy said in a statement. “Even though it has been 50 years, there are still individuals who interest us and they should be held accountable for their actions, even if it is 50 years later.”
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Norris, traveling under the alias Richard Gunning, flew to Miami on October 4, 1974. Investigators said Norris traveled to Florida with a large amount of cash with the intention of purchasing Colombian-quality cannabis that was not available in California.
On that day, Norris and an associate traveled more than 300 miles north to the community of Crystal River in Citrus County to purchase cannabis from an organization operating in the area.
During the trip, Norris sent a postcard from his family from the city of Inglis, the last time he contacted them.
Kennedy said Norris was reported missing shortly afterward.
On April 16, 1976, a bulldozer operator found skeletal remains in a wooded area along US Highway 19 in Dixie County in North Florida. The remains were not identified for more than thirty years, until DNA testing revealed that they were Norris’s.
His family claimed his remains in April 2011.
Investigators believe people living in Miami, Panama City, Steinhatchee and Citrus County may have information about the case. Norris had associates in the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, Nashville, Memphis and Des Moines, Iowa who may also have information.
The investigation has revealed names of members of the organization from which Norris allegedly purchased cannabis.
“Over the years of investigating this, we’ve found many pieces of the puzzle. Someone could have a piece of the puzzle in their hands that they may not realize fits into the big picture,” said Kennedy.
Anyone with information about Norris’ murder is asked to contact FDLE Tallahassee at (800) 342-0820.
