Skip to main content

Episode 1 · Mysteries by Chenzo

Who Killed Bruce McPhail? The 1997 Flagler Beach Cold Case

He Had No Name for 26 Years. Then DNA Found Him.

In September 1997, a man was found murdered in the Intracoastal Waterway near Flagler Beach, Florida. For almost 26 years nobody knew his name. In 2023, DNA and genetic genealogy identified him as Robert "Bruce" McPhail, 58, from Manitoba, Canada. His murder is still unsolved.

Now playing

Read the case file

Official Gumshoe Business: Precision Cellular Wellness

Before you watch

This is a real case about a real man, Robert "Bruce" McPhail, and a family that waited 26 years to learn his name. I've tried to tell it with care. Everything comes from the Sheriff's Office and published reporting, and there are no graphic images.

It's also my very first episode. It's a labor of love, and I've been working really hard on it. Please be kind, in the comments and to each other.

Chenzo Cases is community driven, so tell me what worked and what didn't. Leave me feedback, or pull up a chair with the Gumshoes and let's talk it through below.

Know something real? Please don't post it in the comments. Call the Flagler County Sheriff's Office at 386-313-4911, Case #97-21613.

Chenzo

Members-only extra

Case notebook (for Gumshoes)

How this episode was madeWhere the research came from, what stayed out, and why.
Research notes that didn't make the videoSourced details from the public record, side by side.
An early look at next SundayThe next case, before it airs.

Help keep Bruce's case moving.

Somebody knows something. Let's find it together. Pull up a chair with the Gumshoes: add what you know, ask good questions, and help keep Bruce's name out there.

Help solve it with us Or just send me feedback

Already a Gumshoe? Sign in and you'll land right back here.

Chapters

The case file

Who Killed Bruce McPhail?

Bruce McPhail was found murdered in the Intracoastal Waterway near Flagler Beach in 1997. He had no name for almost 26 years until DNA identified him in 2023, and his murder is still unsolved.

Who: Robert "Bruce" McPhail, 58
When: September 10, 1997
Where: Intracoastal Waterway near the old Sea Ray canal (Sea Ray Drive area), Flagler Beach, Flagler County, FL
Status: Unsolved murder · Open case
Agency: Flagler County Sheriff's Office
Case no.: 97-21613
Tip line: 386-313-4911

Read the full case file

Episode discussion

Be kind. This is a real man and a real family. Talk about the case the way you'd want yours talked about.
Not a police tip line. Real information goes to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office: 386-313-4911.
Don't name anyone as a suspect unless police or prosecutors have.

This discussion is for the Gumshoes, so every voice has a name behind it. Read along as long as you like. When you're ready to add what you know or ask a good question, pull up a chair. It's free, and you'll come right back to this page.

Help solve it with us Sign in

Or just send me feedback

Loading comments...

Posts are public and moderated. Use Report on anything that breaks the house rules.