Lake Mead Body in a Barrel Identified: Who Killed Buddy Jackson?

A body hidden in a barrel beneath Lake Mead sparked years of speculation about a Las Vegas mob hit. Now the victim has a name: Edward “Buddy” Jackson. But identifying him leaves the biggest questions unanswered: Who killed him, and why?

In this bonus episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City police intelligence detective Gary Jenkins examines the discovery near Hemingway Harbor, Jackson’s background, and the investigative work needed to reconstruct his final days.

Gary discusses why early speculation focused on missing Stardust casino employee Jay Vandermark and federal informant William Crespo. He also explains how detectives can develop leads through old criminal cases, former associates, employment records, and the barrel itself. A suspected mob connection remains unproven.

Gary separates the case information from theories surrounding this disturbing discovery. Have information about Edward “Buddy” Jackson? Contact the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. You can also reach Gary at ganglandwire@gmail.com.

For more true crime stories, listen to Gary’s other podcast, Murder Blueprint.

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Subscribe to Gangland Wire and Murder Blueprint wherever you get your podcasts, and join us each week as we uncover the stories buried beneath the headlines—and the bodies.

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