Las Vegas investigators say they have identified the body of the shooting victim found in a barrel in Lake Mead.

A barrel containing human remains surfaced in Lake Mead in 2022, and Las Vegas authorities now say they have identified the suspected murder victim.

Las Vegas authorities say they have identified a suspected homicide victim whose remains were found in a barrel in Lake Mead four years ago.

Las Vegas authorities say they have identified a suspected homicide victim whose remains were found in a barrel in Lake Mead four years ago and are expected to make a public announcement later today.

The receding water level helped expose the barrel and has been credited with the discovery of other human remains in the lake, including suspected drowning victims and missing persons.

"The bad old days always come back, don't they?" said Randy Sutton, a retired Las Vegas police lieutenant who oversaw the case.

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He and other experts have said that the victim may have been killed in a gang attack.

"Two doors behind the head," he said, describing the mob-style murders of that era. "If they don't want to be found, bury them in the desert or Lake Mead, or leave them where they lie to make a statement."

A group of boaters first discovered the barrel in Lake Mead Harbor on May 1, 2022, according to the Clark County Coroner and Medical Examiner's Office.

Authorities immediately suspected foul play when they realized a bullet had been fired into the man's body.

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At the time, police told reporters they believed the victim was killed between the mid-1970s and mid-1980s based on her clothing.

Sutton said the construction of new buildings has also uncovered human remains buried in areas that were previously outside the city.

Las Vegas officials said they will hold a news conference with more details at 3 p.m. PT/6 p.m. ET.

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