No one has hours to scour the papers to keep up with the latest news, so we’ve curated the top news stories in the field of Forensic Science for this week. Here’s what you need to know to get out the door!
Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner Teams with Othram to Identify a 2022 John Doe (DNASolves – 12/20/2024)
In April 2022, the remains of an unidentified individual were discovered in a marshy area in Boston, Massachusetts. Located in Suffolk County, Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and the most populous city in the Commonwealth. An autopsy was conducted and it was determined that the remains were that of a White male of unknown age. The man’s height was measured as 5’6” tall and he weighed approximately 170 pounds. With the man’s identity being unknown, details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP96627. He became known as Suffolk County John Doe (2022).
In June 2024, the Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner submitted forensic evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas in hopes that advanced DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy could help to identify the man. Othram scientists successfully developed a DNA extract from the forensic evidence and then used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive genealogical profile for the unknown man. Othram’s in-house forensic genetic genealogy team then used this profile to conduct genetic genealogy research, ultimately providing new investigative leads to law enforcement.
Using this new information, a follow-up investigation was conducted, leading investigators to potential relatives of the man. A reference DNA sample was collected from a possible relative and compared to the DNA profile of the unknown man using KinSNP® rapid relationship testing. This investigation led to the positive identification of the man, whose name will not be released at this time at the request of his family.
Mississippi State Medical Examiner & Mississippi Bureau of Investigation Team with Othram to Identify a John Doe (DNASolves – 12/24/2024)
In 2023, the remains of an unidentified individual were transferred to the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office so that an anthropological analysis could be developed in hopes that the individual could be identified. It was determined that the remains were that of an unknown adult male who was likely at least 55 years old at the time of his death. The anthropological assessment revealed that the individual suffered a traumatic injury at or around the time of death.
In 2024, in an effort to resolve the mystery around the identity of these remains, the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office and Mississippi Bureau of Investigation once again teamed with Othram in hopes that advanced DNA testing could help to determine the identity of the man.
In June of 2024, the Mississippi Office of the State Medical Examiner submitted evidence to Othram’s laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas. Othram scientists developed a DNA extract from the evidence so that a DNA profile could be built for the man using Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing®. Once the DNA profile was built, Othram’s in-house forensic genetic genealogy team performed genealogical and records research in order to develop new leads in the case. Funding for this case was provided by Mississippi native and philanthropist, Carla Davis.
These new leads were provided to investigators, and a follow-up investigation was conducted. With the provided information, investigators were able to identify a potential relative of the man. The DNA profile of the potential relative was compared to the unknown man’s DNA profile using KinSNP® Rapid Relationship Testing. This investigation led to the identification of the man as William Meredith Seitz, Sr. William, a victim of homicide, was killed in 1985 in Choctaw, Mississippi. The circumstances around the discovery and subsequent transfer of his remains are under investigation.
Unknown Man Buried in Twin Cities Cemetery Identified with Help from the DNA Doe Project (CBS News – 12/24/2024)
After nearly 40 years, an unknown man buried in a Minnesota cemetery has been identified.
The gravestone in Prairie Oaks Memorial Eco Gardens in Inver Grove Heights reads “Unknown Male / 1985 / In God’s Loving Care”.
The man was the first person ever buried in the cemetery, which was known then as Inver Hills Memorial Cemetery.
Honolulu Department of the Medical Examiner and Honolulu Police Department Team with Othram to Identify a 2014 Jane Doe (DNASolves – 12/26/2024)
In June 2014, the skeletal remains of a young child were found in Honolulu, Hawaii. The remains were transferred to the Honolulu Department of the Medical Examiner’s office for examination. It was determined that the skeletal remains were that of a young female, approximately 33-35 inches tall, and between the ages of 2 and 6 years old. Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP57800.
In August 2024, the Honolulu Department of the Medical Examiner, working with the Honolulu Police Department, submitted evidence to Othram’s laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas to determine if advanced DNA testing could help to identify the child. Othram scientists were able to develop a DNA extract from the evidence so that a DNA profile could be built for the young girl using Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing®. During the course of the investigation, a possible relative of the young girl was identified. The DNA profile of the potential relative was compared to the unknown girl’s DNA profile using KinSNP® Rapid Relationship Testing. This led to the positive identification of the young girl, who is now known to be Mary Sue Fink. Mary Sue was born April 29, 1959, more than 65 years ago.
This case was worked as part of Othram’s Project 525 initiative. Project 525, launched on May 23, 2024, in collaboration with RTI, which manages the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), aims to bring resolution to five hundred twenty-five juvenile cases published in NamUs. Funding for Othram’s casework costs associated with the advanced DNA testing in this case was provided by NamUs, a national clearinghouse that assists the criminal justice community with the investigation and resolution of missing, unidentified, and unclaimed persons cases across the United States and its territories. NamUs is funded and administered by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and is managed through a contract with Research Triangle Institute International. We are grateful for the support of RTI, NamUs, and the NIJ.
Ottumwa Police Department and Southeast Missouri State University Team with Othram to Identify Des Moines River John Doe (DNASolves – 12/26/2024)
In February 2022, authorities recovered skeletal remains on the banks of the Des Moines River near Keosauqua, Iowa. Anthropological analysis suggested that the femur was likely from an adult male, and its condition was consistent with forensic, rather than archaeological, significance. Subsequent searches of the area did not yield more remains or any other evidence. Initial attempts at DNA extraction and traditional DNA testing were unsuccessful, and the case was entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP90738. The man became known as Des Moines River John Doe.
When the Lincoln County Coroner’s Office in Missouri announced that they had successfully partnered with Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) and Othram to identify 15-year-old Helen Groomes of Ottumwa, Iowa, investigators from the Ottumwa Police Department recognized the value of applying the latest DNA technology to complex cases, including those involving poorly preserved remains. Des Moines River John Doe’s remains were transported to Southeast Missouri State University, where, under the supervision of Drs. Jennifer Bengtson and Jim McGill, advanced Anthropology and Chemistry students applied non-destructive chemical analyses as part of a larger research project focused on assessing likelihood of DNA preservation from skeletal remains.
With the necessary casework costs paid by SEMO Anthropology, the forensic evidence was then submitted to Othram’s laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas so that advanced DNA testing could be used to name the unknown man. Othram’s scientists successfully developed a DNA extract from the evidence. Although the DNA was highly degraded, a comprehensive DNA profile was built for the man using Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing®. While SEMO students learned valuable investigative skills by searching missing persons databases and conducting records research, Othram’s in-house forensic genetic genealogy team worked to develop new leads in the case which corresponded with missing persons leads that investigators were pursuing.
The investigation led Ottumwa Police Department investigators to collect reference samples from possible family members of the man. The unknown man’s DNA profile was compared to the DNA profile of the possible relative using Othram’s KinSNP® rapid relationship testing. This investigation confirmed the identity of Des Moines River John Doe as Timothy William-Michal Fortney. Mr. Fortney was reported missing from Ottumwa, Iowa on March 17, 2018. At the time of his disappearance, Fortney was staying at the Ottumwa Residential Facility. The circumstances of Timothy Fortney’s disappearance and death are the subject of an ongoing investigation.
How the Innocence Project Fought for Justice in 2024 (Forensic – 12/27/2024)
In 2024, thanks to the relentless advocacy of the Innocence Project, Innocence Network partners, exonerees, and supporters, we made huge strides to ensure justice for wrongfully convicted people. From strengthening compensation laws to limiting the misuse of technology by law enforcement, these reforms represent steps toward a more equitable legal system for everyone.
2024 was also a year of playing strategic defense, as we worked to block harmful legislation threatening hard-fought progress for the innocent. Dismantling deeply entrenched systems of injustice isn’t easy and takes the power of collective action to erode it. Here’s a detailed look at the policy wins we celebrated and the critical battles we fought this year.
Two Girls Sexually Assaulted at Sleepover 36 Years Ago, WA Cops Say. Case Now Solved (MSN – 12/28/2024)
The sexual assault of two 11-year-old girls during a sleepover was solved more than 36 years later with help from forensic genetic genealogy, Washington police said.
The assault in June 1988 by a then-unknown man “profoundly affected” the community, the Port Angeles Police Department wrote in a Dec. 27 post on Facebook.
Kim John Cederleaf, of Quilcene, was identified as the suspect through forensic genetic genealogy, with testing of genetic material from his autopsy “conclusively solving the case,” police said.
Pierce County Sheriff’s Office Teams with Othram to Identify a 1978 Homicide Victim (DNASolves – 12/30/2024)
In March 1978, the partial skeletal remains of an unidentified individual were discovered in a wooded area in the Pierce County area of Ashford, Washington area. Ashford is located south of Tacoma near Mount Rainier. It was determined that the remains were that of a male individual between the ages of 20 and 35 years old, who stood 6 feet tall and had brown hair. Ten years later in 1988, additional remains were discovered approximately 50 yards away from the location of the initial discovery. Despite the proximity, the 1988 remains were not linked to the original 1978 discovery until 2005, through circumstantial evidence and investigative efforts. It was determined that the man, whose remains were discovered of a ten-year-long period had died as a result of homicide. Traditional forensic testing was conducted, but a match to a known individual was not made.
In August 2009, details of Pierce County John Doe’s case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP5698. Throughout the course of the investigation, law enforcement learned that the man may have been from Arizona and likely went by the first name “Willie” or “William,” but no other identifying information could be determined.
The case was cold for nearly 50 years, when in 2023, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office submitted forensic evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas to determine if advanced DNA testing could help identify the man. Othram scientists successfully developed a DNA extract from the forensic evidence, and then used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive genealogical profile for the unknown man. Othram’s in-house forensic genetic genealogy team then used this profile to conduct genetic genealogy research, ultimately providing new investigative leads to law enforcement.
Using this new information, a follow-up investigation was conducted leading investigators to potential relatives of Pierce County John Doe. Reference DNA samples were collected from the potential relatives and compared to the DNA profile of the unknown man. This investigation led to the positive identification of the man, who is now known to be William Nelson “Bill” Church, Jr., born November 30th, 1956. Bill Church was last seen on September 15, 1977 by his fiance.
Skagit County Sheriff’s Office Teams with Othram to Identify a 2017 Jane Doe (DNASolves – 12/31/2024)
In March 2017, the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a skull found in the Cascade Mountain foothills. A local resident’s dogs brought the skull to their driveway, prompting an investigation. Despite search efforts, no additional remains were located. It was determined that the remains were that of White individual, whose biological sex was unknown. It was believed that the person was between the ages of 50 and 70 years. Little information about the unidentified person could be determined and they became known as Skagit County Doe.
In the course of the investigation, detectives learned that a vehicle had been impounded from private forest land approximately two years prior to the remains being found. While there was a report of sale listed for the vehicle, detectives were not able to contact the owner or the listed buyer. In an attempt to identify the individual, traditional DNA testing was conducted and an STR profile was developed; however, there was no match to any known individual.
Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP17105. Despite investigators’ efforts, the individual could not be identified and the case went cold. In 2023, the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office teamed with Othram to determine if advanced DNA testing could help to finally identify the individual.
Forensic evidence was submitted to Othram’s laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas where DNA was extracted and used to build a comprehensive DNA profile using Forensic Grade Genome Sequencing®. Through this process, it was determined that the remains were that of a female. Othram genealogists used the profile in a forensic genetic genealogy search to provide new leads to law enforcement. These new leads fueled a follow-up investigation into the person’s identity. The costs associated with this case were fully funded through the Roads to Justice (RTJ) program.
A possible relative of Jane Doe, who resided in a southern US state, was identified. In an interview, the possible family member reported to investigators that their family member had moved to Washington. As a result of this investigation, Skagit County Doe is now positively identified as Kate Grey. Grey, who was born in 1970, told family that she was going to live with a community of others in the foothills in or near the national forest in Washington. Kate’s family was informed of the positive identification, and final arrangements for Kate are being made.
New York Woman Identified After 30 Years using DNA Technology (News Nation Now – 12/31/2024)
New York authorities have identified the body of a woman found more than 30 years ago near the intersection of two parkways in Queens by using advanced DNA technology.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said her office’s cold case unit, the New York Police Department and the Office of Chief Medical Examiner identified the woman as 30-year-old Judy Rodriguez. The mother of three was last seen by her family on January 23, 1991 and had been reported missing at the time.
Her disappearance coincided with the first birthday of one of Rodriguez’s children, who were raised by their grandparents.
The Killing of an 18-year-old Ohio Woman was Solved with DNA Technology after 43 Years (AP News – 12/31/2024)
A man who was shot dead last month as authorities attempted to serve him an indictment on federal gun charges has been identified as the killer of an 18-year-old Ohio woman in a case that had gone unsolved for 43 years, police announced Monday.
Mansfield Police Chief Jason Bammann said the cold case of Debra Lee Miller, a local waitress beaten to death with an oven grate in her apartment on April 29, 1981, was reopened in 2021 to account for advances in DNA technology and forensic investigative techniques.
“They examined the case as if it had happened yesterday, through an entirely new lens,” Bammann said at a news conference. “Their findings were staggering.”
The Nameless Dead: Scientists Hunt for Identities of Thousands Who Tried to Reach Europe (The Guardian – 1/02/2024)
Four years ago, the remains of a toddler encased in a lifejacket and a navy snowsuit washed up on a beach in southern Norway, having spent the previous two months being carried on North Sea currents. Though his face was barely recognisable, publicity about the sinking of the migrant boat he had been travelling on, and suspicions about his identity, enabled Norwegian police to locate a relative to whom his DNA could be matched, providing this lonely corpse with a name: Artin Iran Nezhad.
Others remain nameless. Of the tens of thousands who die trying to reach Europe, fewer than a quarter are ever formally identified. For their relatives, this lack of closure is a continuing trauma. However, a recently established network of forensic scientists is trying to change this, through the development of new technologies and processes to aid identification efforts.
Launched in November last year, Migrant Disaster Victim Identification (MDVI) Action brings together expertise from across Europe to address what its chair, Prof Caroline Wilkinson of Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), describes as a growing humanitarian crisis of unidentified deceased migrants in Europe.
DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office Teams with Othram to Identify a 2022 John Doe (DNASolves – 1/02/2024)
In February 2022, the remains of an unidentified individual were found in a wooded area behind a business on Columbia Drive in Decatur, Georgia. It was determined that the remains were that of a black male who was 50 to 80 years old. At his time of death, the man stood 6′ 3″ tall and weighed 204 pounds. He had partially gray hair and brown eyes. It is believed that the man lived in or around the wooded area where he was found. No other identifying characteristics for the man were available and he became known as Dekalb County John Doe.
Since the discovery of the unknown man’s remains, investigators diligently pursued various leads about his identity. The man’s fingerprints did not generate a match in AFIS, the Automated Fingerprint Identification system. Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP103162. To help visualize the man’s appearance during his life, an artist rendering was created and released to the public in hopes that it would generate new leads about the man’s identity. Despite the exhaustive efforts of law enforcement, the man’s identity could not be determined.
In 2024, the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office once again teamed with Othram to leverage advanced DNA testing and genetic genealogy to develop investigative leads in hopes of identifying the man. Previously, the Dekalb County District Attorney’s Office teamed with Othram to identify Rebecca Burke. Forensic evidence was submitted to Othram’s laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas where DNA was extracted and used to build a comprehensive DNA profile using Forensic Grade Genome Sequencing®. Othram genealogists used the profile in a forensic genetic genealogy search to provide new leads to law enforcement.
These new leads fueled a follow-up investigation, leading the Dekalb County Cold Case Task Force to potential relatives of the man in Georgia and Nevada. DNA profiles belonging to the relatives were compared to the John Doe’s profile using KinSNP® rapid relationship testing, allowing investigators to name Dekalb County John Doe as 58-year-old Ernesto Eden.
A portion of Othram’s casework costs associated with the advanced DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy completed in this case was contributed by donors through a DNASolves® crowdfund. The remainder of Othram’s casework costs was provided by NamUs, a national clearinghouse that assists the criminal justice community with the investigation and resolution of missing, unidentified, and unclaimed persons cases across the United States and its territories. NamUs is funded and administered by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and is managed through a contract with Research Triangle Institute International. We are grateful for the support of RTI, NamUs, and the NIJ as well as to those who helped crowdfund this case and other DNASolves cases.
