Investigator Eric Ulis, known for his expertise in investigating past crimes, has uncovered new evidence in the D.B. Cooper skyjacking case that brings investigators closer to solving the mystery. Ulis shared with Fox News that a microscopic metal fragment from Cooper’s tie has led him to a theory of who the infamous hijacker might be.

In 1971, D.B. Cooper hijacked a commercial jet and threatened to blow it up before parachuting to safety with $200,000 in ransom money. Despite extensive investigations, his true identity has remained unknown. However, the clip-on tie he left behind on the plane has been a crucial starting point for many investigators.

Scientists have analyzed the tie using modern technology, pulling off particles from its surface. More than 100,000 particles have been examined so far, revealing fragments made of stainless steel and titanium. Using U.S. patents, Ulis traced three of these fragments back to Crucible Steel, a significant subcontractor for Boeing’s aircraft during the 1960s.

According to Ulis, if Cooper worked at Crucible Steel, he would have had extensive knowledge of the Boeing 727 aircraft he hijacked and the Seattle area, where Crucible Steel employees frequently traveled for business. Additionally, he noted that Boeing was experiencing a downturn in 1971, suggesting that Cooper may have been affected by it. Ulis believes that the company’s titanium research engineer, Vince Peterson, who passed away in 2002, could be the identity of Cooper.

While Peterson seems like a compelling person of interest, Ulis is not ruling out other suspects until he solidifies his findings. He remains determined to dig deeper into Peterson’s history and continue his investigation.