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!
Volusia County Sheriff’s Office & District 7 Medical Examiner Team with Othram to Identify a 1997 John Doe – 2/13/2025)
In November 1997, the skeletal remains of an unidentified individual were found along a wooded trail in Volusia County, Florida. The trail head is located near Ft. Florida Road, 1.4 miles south of Highbanks road in DeBary, just north of Orlando. An investigation was launched, and it was determined that the body was likely that of an adult male who was white or Hispanic. Alongside the remains, investigators found Pipeline brand shorts, a red Screen Stars brand T-shirt and white socks. Remnants of a blue Key Elements brand garment were also found. With few clues to go on the man’s identity could not be determined and he became known as Volusia County John Doe.
Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP723. Despite investigators’ efforts, the man could not be identified and his identity was a mystery for almost 30 years.
In 2024, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, working with the county’s District 7 Medical Examiner’s Office, submitted forensic evidence to Othram’s laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas in hopes that advanced DNA testing could lead to the identification of the man. Othram’s scientists successfully developed a DNA extract from the remains. Scientists then used Forensic Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile for the unknown man. Othram’s forensic genetic genealogy team then used the profile in a genealogy search to reveal new leads about the man’s identity.
These leads sparked a follow-up investigation that led to potential relatives of the man. During the course of the investigation, an individual who was believed to be a relative of the man provided a DNA sample. The relative’s DNA profile was compared to the John Doe’s DNA profile using Othram’s KinSNP® Rapid Relationship Testing. This comparison confirmed the identity of the man as Ryan Stone. Stone was last seen toward the end of 1994 when he told family that he was going to spend some time away from central Florida and go for a trip to New York, which he had never done before. Ryan was never heard from again and his remains were located in Debary, Florida. It is believed Ryan never went to New York.
AFDIL gets the SNP: A New Era in DNA Technology (Defense Visual Information Distribution Service – 2/14/2025)
As if being a world leader in understanding and utilizing DNA wasn’t a high-enough achievement, the Department of Defense (DoD) DNA Operations division within the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES) has set the bar to a whole new level.
Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit & Rapid City Police Department Team with Othram to Identify a 2025 Jane Doe (DNASolves – 2/14/2025)
In January 2025, the remains of an unidentified individual were found in Interior, South Dakota. Investigators with the Rapid City Police Department received information about possible human remains located in the Jackson County community on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Various public safety and search entities responded to the location and recovered the remains, which were determined to belong to a Native American female. Due to the condition of the woman’s remains, she could not be identified.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit, working with the Rapid City Police Department, teamed with Othram to determine if advanced DNA testing could help to determine the woman’s identity. Forensic evidence was provided to Othram where scientists developed a DNA extract. A comprehensive DNA profile was then developed for the woman using Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing®. During the course of the investigation, a potential relative of the unknown woman was identified. This individual provided a DNA sample, which was compared to the unknown woman’s DNA profile using KinSNP® Rapid Relationship Testing.
The result of this investigation led to the identification of the woman, who is now known to be Michelle Elbow Shield. Elbow Shield, of Pine Ridge, was reported missing after last being seen in Rapid City in October of 2023. For months after her disappearance, investigators with the Rapid City Police Department collaborated with various tribal and private entities to generate leads about her whereabouts. The cause and manner of Elbow Shield’s death as well as the circumstances around her disappearance are currently under investigation.
Scientists Extracted DNA From the Dirt to Learn More About the 19,000-Year-Old ‘Red Lady’ (Popular Mechanics – 2/17/2025)
First discovered in 2010, the ‘Red Lady of El Mirón’ is an ochre-coated skeleton that provides a glimpse into human life following the last glacial maximum some 21,000 years ago.
A new study analyzes sedimentary ancient DNA, or sedaDNA, to provide more context to the comings and goings—both human and animal—of the El Mirón Cave as well as the Red Lady’s ancestry. This breakthrough DNA technique allows researchers to examine entire past ecosystems without relying on bones or other artifacts.
John Collins Releases Second Edition of ’50 Situations Awaiting Every Forensic Scientist’ – Now Available in Audiobook (CBS4 Indy – 2/17/2025)
Renowned forensic expert and author John Collins has announced the release of the second edition of his book, 50 Situations Awaiting Every Forensic Scientist. In addition to the softcover version, the book is now available in audiobook format, making this essential resource more accessible to readers interested in starting or advancing a career in forensic science.
Originally published to provide students and early-career professionals with real-world insights and strategies for navigating the unique opportunities and challenges of forensic science, 50 Situations has become a must-read in the field. The second edition includes new discussion questions and a supplemental chapter on criminal justice reform and its impact on forensic experts.
Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and Erie County District Attorney’s Office Team With Othram To Identify a 2021 Homicide Victim (DNASolves – 2/18/2025)
In September 2021, a hiker found a human skull while walking along the Chautauqua Rails to Trails near Woleben Road in Portland, NY. Portland is a small town between Buffalo and Erie along the coast of Lake Erie. An extensive search was organized and the remains of another woman were also found. The second woman’s remains were identified as 50-year-old Marquita Mull, who had been killed just three months earlier in 2021. In January of this year, Richard J. Fox, a 62-year-old registered sex offender, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder for Mull’s death.
Investigators were unable to determine the identity of the other woman, but were able to conclude she died at least 10 years before she was found. With few leads to go on, the woman’s identity was a mystery and she became known as Portland New York Jane Doe.
In 2024, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and the Erie County District Attorney’s Office sent forensic evidence to Othram’s laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas in hopes that advanced DNA testing could help identify the Jane Doe. Othram scientists produced a suitable DNA extract from the skeletal remains. A comprehensive DNA profile was then developed for the woman using Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing®. Othram’s forensic genetic genealogy team the conducted a genealogical search that resulted in new leads, which were provided to law enforcement.
Othram’s casework costs associated with the advanced DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy completed in this case were provided by dedicated funding allocated by U.S. Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY). We are grateful to Congressman Langworthy for recognizing the need for this technology and securing the funding for the crucial project.
A follow-up investigation led to potential relatives of the woman. A potential relative provided a DNA sample, which was compared to the unknown woman’s DNA profile using KinSNP® Rapid Relationship Testing. As a result of the testing and follow-up investigation, the woman is now known to be Cassandra Watson, who would be 61 years old if she were still alive. Investigators believe she was killed between 2002 and 2004. She was never reported missing. Richard J. Fox has also been charged with second-degree murder for the death of Cassandra Watson.
College to Open an Expert Witness Training Center, Crime Scene Lab (Forensic – 2/19/2025)
Cedar Crest College (Pennsylvania) will address a critical justice-system need with the creation of an Expert Witness Training Center and Crime Scene Lab. This new initiative, made possible by a $608K grant through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, will significantly increase the College’s capacity to train forensic science, law enforcement, first-responder professionals, and those who are often asked to provide testimony in court to become effective expert witnesses.
As one of only eight institutions in the country to earn FEPAC (Forensic Science Educational Programs Accreditation Commission) accreditation at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, Cedar Crest is especially equipped to develop this project and tackle the rising demand for professionals in the field.
The Expert Witness Center will consist of simulated crime scenes, scientific labs, and a mock courtroom to prepare experts in managing evidence through the judicial process. The mock courtroom will have a camera and monitoring system for expert witnesses to rehearse and instructors to give live feedback. A conference space will also be added for participants to debrief, gather, and further discuss training scenarios. The crime-scene lab will consist of three rooms modeled after a residential house, namely a re-creation of a living room, bedroom, and kitchen, in which participants can analyze realistic crime scenes.
