09/03/2026
**NATIONAL COLD CASE MONTH: WHO KILLED JAMES NORRIS?**
**CONTENT WARNING: This post discusses homicide and the discovery of human remains.**
James Norris was just 24 years old when he disappeared in October 1974.
On October 4, James flew from San Francisco to Miami using the name **Richard Gunning**. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, he was carrying a large amount of cash and intended to purchase Colombian-grade ma*****na. He and an associate later traveled to the Crystal River area.
That afternoon, James mailed a postcard to his family from **Inglis, Florida**.
It was the last contact they ever had with him.
Eighteen months later, on April 16, 1976, a bulldozer operator discovered skeletal remains in a wooded area of northern Dixie County near the Taylor County line.
For more than three decades, those remains had no name.
DNA eventually provided the answer. In 2011, the remains were confirmed to be James Norris, and his family was finally able to bring him home.
But one enormous question remains:
**Who killed James Norris?**
More than 50 years later, FDLE continues to investigate his murder. Investigators have said they have persons of interest and believe people with connections to **Miami, Crystal River/Citrus County, Panama City and Steinhatchee** may have information that could help solve this case.
Five decades is a long time to keep a secret.
Relationships change. Loyalties change. People who were afraid to speak in 1974 may no longer have a reason to remain silent.
**Someone still holds a piece of the puzzle.**
If you have information about the murder of James Norris, please contact **FDLE Tallahassee at 800-342-0820.**
**More than 50 years later, his murder remains unsolved.**
The years may pass. The questions remain.
Hope • Advocacy • Justice
**The Florida Themis Project**
