Cases
Solved cases
Murder of Carla Walker
Carla Walker was a 17-year-old teenage girl who was abducted from a bowling alley in Fort Worth, Texas on February 15, 1974. She and her boyfriend, Rodney Roy, had been sitting in her car outside of the alley after attending a school dance at Western Hills High School when they were attacked by an unknown assailant who pistol whipped Roy, leaving him unconscious. [5] Walker's body was later recovered three days later from a drainage ditch, half an hour south of Fort Worth. She had been beaten, tortured, raped and strangled to death, as well as injected with morphine. [6]
Othram Inc. was contacted in April or May 2020 to use forensic genealogy on DNA left on Walker's body to identify her killer. On September 21, 2020, it was announced that Glen Samuel McCurley, 77 at the time of his arrest, was charged with Walker's murder based on a DNA match. [7]
Murder of Christine Jessop
Christine Jessop was a 9-year-old girl from Queensville, Ontario, who was abducted after getting off her school bus in October 1984. She went home, dropped off her bag, and planned on meeting with a friend at a nearby park. She never made it to the park. Her body was later recovered on December 31 in a farmer's field in Sunderland, Ontario. She had been raped and stabbed to death, with semen being found on her underwear. [8]
In 2019, the Toronto Police Service contacted Othram to generate a DNA profile from the semen found on Jessop's clothing and perform forensic genealogy to find her killer. After Othram was able to successfully sequence a profile, Toronto Police were able to find her killer in the fall. It was announced on October 15, that Calvin Hoover, a man who died in 2015, matched the profile of DNA and was named as her killer. [9]
Murder of Siobhan McGuinness
Siobhan McGuinness was a 5-year-old girl from Missoula, Montana, who was abducted in early 1974 while walking to a friend's house. Her body was found two days later in a snowy culvert. She had been raped and stabbed to death. An extensive investigation between law enforcement and the community was made in order to find her killer until all leads were exhausted.
In 2020, the Missoula Police Department, BODE Technology, and the FBI contacted Othram to create a genetic profile from DNA found on the crime scene, after similar techniques were used to identify the Golden State Killer. After a profile was made, the team used forensic genealogy to find Richard William Davis, who was confirmed by DNA to be her killer. Davis had died in 2012. [10]
Murder of Mary Edwards
Mary Catherine Edwards was a teacher in Beaumont, Texas who was found drowned in her bathroom by her family. It was found that she had been sexually assaulted before being drowned. Traditional DNA testing on evidence left by the killer yielded few leads, all of which were eventually exhausted.
In 2020, the Texas Rangers and Beaumont Police Department contacted Othram to generate a usable genetic profile in order to be used for forensic genealogy to find her killer. [11] The killer was identified in May 2021 as Clayton Foreman, currently incarcerated in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, for unrelated charges. He was extradited to Jefferson County on June 15. Foreman was not initially considered a person of interest in the case, but it was found that he had known her in high school. [12]
Murder of Stephanie Isaacson
Stephanie Isaacson was a 14-year-old teenage girl who was abducted while walking to Eldorado High School in Las Vegas, Nevada. Her father began to worry after school when she didn't come home, and called the school to find that she had never made it to school in the morning. Her body was later found at a sandlot. She had been sexually assaulted and strangled to death.
In 2021, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department contacted Othram to examine DNA evidence from the scene to help identify Isaacson's killer. Her killer was later identified as Darren Roy Marchand, who had committed suicide in 1995. Notably, the identification and profile was able to be made with only 120 picograms of DNA, making this the lowest amount of DNA ever being able to be used to help solve a crime. [13]
Murder of Alma Jones
Alma Jones was a 77-year-old woman who was raped and murdered in her home in Raleigh, North Carolina in December 1977. In 2011, a male DNA profile was developed from items located at the crime scene. However, no match had been made in the national database and all leads were exhausted.
In 2021, the Raleigh Police Department contacted Othram to produce a genealogical profile for the unknown male DNA. Her killer was identified as Paul David Crowder Jr., who died in 2015. [14]
Murder of Terrence Paquette
Terrence Paquette was a 31-year-old convenience store worker at the Lil' Champ Food Store in Orlando, Florida when he was stabbed to death in February 1996. In 2003, the case was re-examined and an unknown male DNA profile was developed from crime scene evidence.
In the fall of 2019, the Orange County Sheriff's Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement contacted Othram to use advanced DNA testing on the DNA profile. Kenneth Robert Stough Jr. was eventually identified as the suspect and arrested for first-degree murder in November 2021. [15]
Identifications
"Harry"
On July 18, 1979, the burned skeletal remains of a young white man were found in a farm field in Charleston, Missouri. His cause of death was initially thought to be suspicious, but was eventually ruled an accidental drowning. He was estimated to be between 20 and 60 years old. He also had light brown or dark blonde hair. Height, weight and eye color could not be determined. Various items were found with the remains, but it was not determined if they were related to the decedent. He was also originally thought to have been female. Investigators believe that the remains had ended up at the farm as a result of flooding, and the remains were burned as a result of typical farm activity.
In April 2020, it was announced that he had been identified through efforts by Othram and Redgrave Research. His family requested that his name not be released, but it was shared that he went by the name "Harry", and was in his mid-thirties when he died. An image was later uploaded of "Harry" during life. [16]
Donna Griffin AKA "Bushkill Jane Doe"
| External image | |
|---|---|
 Photo of Donna Griffn |
The body of a female between thirty-five and fifty-five years old was found in brush on the shoulder of route 33 in Bushkill Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, on October 23, 1987. She was of Caucasian descent and had blue eyes and blond hair. The height was estimated to be between five feet and five feet two inches tall and her weight was between 155 and 165 pounds. The decedent wore a red shirt with a decal of a woman's face, a multicolored bracelet, jeans and thermal long underwear with a snowflake design. The woman is believed to have died due to a heart attack, yet her face suffered multiple lacerations from an undisclosed cause. She had died within 24 hours of being discovered. [17]
In 2020, the Northampton County District Attorney's Office and BODE Technology, another forensic genealogy company, renewed the investigation of the woman's identity. BODE successfully extracted DNA and sent it to Othram for sequencing. BODE then used forensic genealogy to find potential family members. [18] She was identified in June 2020 as Donna Griffin of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. [19]
Rodney Johnson AKA "Lake Stickney John Doe"
| External images | |
|---|---|
| Yearbook photo of Rodney Johnson | |
| Reconstruction by Natalie Murray |
On June 11, 1994, the decomposing body of a young to middle aged man of unknown ethnicity was found floating in Lake Stickney near the public boat launch by a fisherman in Everett, Washington. He had been shot twice in the head. He was estimated to be between 25 and 40 years old, was between 5 feet 8 inches and 6 feet tall and weighed between 135 and 170 pounds. Hair color and eye color could not be ascertained. He was found to have had extensive dental work during life and had a healed fracture to his left clavicle. He was found wearing a pair of Levis shrink-to-fit jeans, a pair of white Hanes underwater, a pair of black socks, a pair of high-top light brown work boots with string laces and a vulcan sole, and a belt with a metal buckle. [20]
Othram Inc. was contacted to help identify the man. On August 12, 2020, it was announced that he had been identified as Rodney Peter Johnson of Seattle, Washington. He had gone missing in 1987. [21]
Darrell Splett AKA "McHenry County John Doe"
| External images | |
|---|---|
| Undated photo of Darrell Splett at a younger age | |
| Digital reconstruction |
On May 4, 2019, the body of a middle-aged white man was found by hikers in the Rush Creek Conservation Area in Harvard, Illinois. He was found to have committed suicide. He was found clad in winter clothing, and had been deceased for approximately a year. McHenry County Sherriff's Office attempted to identify the man using typical identification procedures, which yielded no results or leads. A reconstruction was also made by Palm Beach County Sheriff's Forensic Imaging Unit to help aid in identification.
Othram Inc. was contacted in May 2020 to help identify the man. On October 23, 2020, it was announced that he had been identified as Darrell P. Splett of Ingleside, Illinois. He was 50 years old at the time of his death. [22]
Alisha Heinrich AKA "Delta Dawn"
On December 5, 1982, the body of a female toddler was seen floating in the Escatawpa River beneath a bridge on Interstate 10 in Moss Point, Mississippi. She had reportedly been seen a few days earlier with her mother, then-unidentified Gwendolyn Clemmons, as Clemmons paced the bridge, seemingly distressed. Drivers reported seeing Clemmons' body floating in the river, but when law enforcement conducted a search, they instead found Heinrich, deceased. During subsequent searches, another man was recovered, however he was found to be unrelated to the case. Clemmons has not been found, and is believed to be deceased.
Othram was contacted by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office in 2019 to create a genetic profile for genetic genealogy. After the profile was developed, the Sheriff's Office and FBI worked together and were able to identify Heinrich in September 2020. On December 4, 2020, it was announced that "Delta Dawn" had been identified as Alisha Ann Heinrich, last seen with her mother in Kansas City, Missouri. [23]
Vance Rodriguez AKA "Mostly Harmless"
On July 23, 2018, a hiker was found dead in his tent near the Appalachian Trail in Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida. He appeared to have starved to death. He was estimated to be between 35 and 60 years old, was 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighed 83 pounds. He had graying dark brown hair an unkempt gray and brown beard and blue eyes. He also appeared to have a faint scar across his abdomen. He was found wearing a beige shirt with neon green and gray accents, gray 'Russel' brand shorts, 'Performance' brand underwear, and a Columbia baseball cap. He was also found with various camping and hiking items. He had been seen alive various time previously and went by the names "Mostly Harmless", "Ben Bilemy", and "Denim" to those he met, possibly referencing Douglas Adams' Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. [24]
Othram Inc. was contacted in July 2020 to help identify "Mostly Harmless". On January 12, 2021, it was announced that "Mostly Harmless" had been identified as Vance John Rodriguez of Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, who had moved to Brooklyn, New York after he was recognized by a former co-worker after seeing a flyer
Jolaine Hemmy AKA "Pecos Jane Doe"
On July 5, 1966, a young man and woman checked into the Ropers Motel in Pecos County, Texas, using the name "Mr. and Mrs. Russell Battuon" (or "Batuon")". Two hours after checking in, the motel staff heard a scream and checked the pool area, finding the female floating in the pool after she had drowned. There were no signs of foul play and she appeared to be alone when she died. Meanwhile, the man had been sleeping; after helping the staff retrieve his companion's body, he quickly left the hotel without paying his bill, taking nearly all belongings and the registration card that he had used to check in.
Investigators could not find the man after he left, and it was found out that he had told motel staff that he needed the registration card to confirm his stay at the motel for hospital staff, since they were not from the area, but had never arrived at the hospital. He was described as being around 25 years old, with a short slender build and blonde hair, and drove a late model 1963 sedan. The only charges he could have faced would have been a result of "defrauding" the motel, which investigators believe he may have done "out of fear". [25]
The woman was estimated to be between 17 and 20 years old, was approximately 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 m) tall and was between 120 and 130 pounds (54–59 kg). She had long brown hair and large brown eyes. She had an olive complexion, which caused investigators to believe she was of Italian or Latin descent. She also had a burn scar on the right side of her rib cage. She was wearing a bright red swimsuit when she died, but she was observed earlier to be wearing dark shorts, a bra, and a flowered blouse, all of which happened to have been the only things left behind in their room by the man when he left. Her fingerprints were taken but did not match anybody in the FBI database.
She was later buried in a donated casket in Fairview Cemetery, with a donated headstone. An anonymous mourner occasionally placed flowers on her grave and kept the site well maintained. Many tips were submitted regarding her identity, but none have proved fruitful.
She would later undergo forensic DNA sequencing by Othram Inc. [26]
The decedent was confirmed to be 17-year-old Jolaine Hemmy, formerly of Salina, Kansas in January 2021. [27]
James St. Peters AKA "Montgomery John Doe"
On October 7, 2016, the remains of a middle aged or elderly white or Hispanic man were recovered from a reservoir in The Woodlands, Texas. He was estimated to be between 40 and 70 years old, was 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighed 169 pounds. He had gray or white hair and possibly greenish eyes. He was found wearing a green long-sleeved shirt, a pair of blue pants, a dark belt, a single black shoe with velcro straps, a green backpack, a Swiss army knife and a dog tag with the name "Phillip H. Williams" and a ship design.
In late 2020, Othram Inc was contacted to help identify the man. On February 11, 2021, it was announced that he had been identified as James Edwards St. Peters. [28]
Lisa Todd AKA "Publicker Girl"
| External images | |
|---|---|
| Photo of Lisa Todd with 3D reconstruction | |
| NCMEC Reconstruction |
On January 24, 1988, the skeletal remains of a young white female were discovered by a man walking his dog in a pump house at the old 'Publicker' distillery in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. She was estimated to be between 16 and 30 years old, between 5 feet and 5 feet 3 inches tall, and weighed between 100 and 120 pounds. She also had brown hair and appeared to be about six months pregnant. Eye color could not be ascertained. She was found wearing 'Braxton' designer jeans, a purple lace camisole, open-toed platform shoes, a black bodysuit top, an oval sterling silver ring with five clear stones and five stones missing, and a silver-colored ring with a belt-and-buckle design. Various other clothing items were found with the remains, however, investigators could not determine if they belonged to the victim. When investigators found the body in the pump house, they had to pump 8 inches of water and oil fuel out of the house in order to retrieve the remains. The location had become a well-known place for the illegal dumping of stolen vehicles. Flyers of a reconstruction and dental records were distributed, which generated 50 leads of missing person reports which matched the victim, however, all of these came up negative. [29]
On March 9, 2021, it was announced that she had been identified by Othram Inc. and Bode Technology as Lisa Todd of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. [30]
Shawna Garber AKA "Grace Doe"
On December 2, 1990, the decomposing remains of a young white or possibly Native American woman were found in McDonald County, Missouri, tied with several different types of rope, indicating that she was likely the victim of a sexual assault. She was estimated to be between 21 and 31 years old, was between 5 feet 1 inch and 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighed 120 pounds. She had wavy, collar length dark brown hair with naturally red highlights. She was found wearing a stone-washed Levi jacket, a white T-shirt, a pair of Lee blue jeans, a pair of socks, and white 'Fitness' brand hi-top sneakers. [31]
Othram Inc. took up her case, and Garber was subsequently identified in March 2021. [32]
Evelyn Colon AKA "Beth Doe"
On December 20, 1976, the dismembered body of a young white or Hispanic female was found in multiple suitcases beneath a highway bridge in White Haven, Pennsylvania. Investigators were unable to identify her and she was buried under the name "Beth Doe". [33] After 44 years, investigators finally got a break in the case in 2020 when they compared her DNA to genealogy databases and identified Luis Colon Jr. as a relative of the deceased. Colon Jr. and his family told investigators that Colon Jr.'s aunt, Evelyn Colon, disappeared from Jersey City, New Jersey at the age of 15 in December 1976 and that she was pregnant and in an abusive relationship at the time she disappeared.
In 2020, the Pennsylvania State Police and the NCMEC contacted Othram to sequence an extraction of DNA in order for them to use forensic genealogy. [3] On March 31, 2021, investigators publicly announced that Beth Doe had been identified as Evelyn Colon. [34] Luis Sierra, Colon's boyfriend and the father of her child, was arrested for her murder. [35]
Missy Poitra AKA "Durham Jane Doe"
| External images | |
|---|---|
| Photo of Missy Poitra | |
| Digital 3D reconstruction |
On October 22, 2016, investigators found the skeletal remains of a woman were found in a plastic container in a storage unit in Durham, North Carolina. Investigators found her death suspicious, and believe she had been in the container since at least 2010. They were only able to glean a few details concerning her identity or how she ended up in the container.
In 2020, Othram reached out to the Durham Police Department to help assist with identifying the woman. They were able to find some distant relatives and gave the information to the police department, who were able to identify her in May 2021 as Missy Ann Poitra, who had gone missing in 2005. [36]
Pamela Duffy and William "Digger" Lane AKA "San Bernardino County Jane and John Doe (1980)"
| External image | |
|---|---|
| Photos of Pamela Duffy and William Lane |
On November 17, 1980, the remains of a young man and young woman were found in a shallow grave in the desert near now former US Route 66, approximately 5 miles east of Ludlow, California. Both had died from gunshot wounds and blunt force trauma.
The female was estimated to be between 17 and 22 years old, was between 5 feet 5 inches and 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighed approximately 115 pounds. She had a "highly distinctive" smile with several gaps in her teeth, and her left ear was found to have been pierced. She had a 10 karat ring with 7 glass stones, the middle of which was missing. [37]
The male was estimated to be between 21 and 30 and was 5 feet 4 inches tall. he had long brown hair, a pierced ear and a tattoo of an Egyptian Ankh. His weight and eye color could not be determined. He was found with a white-metal Ankh earring in his left ear. [38]
In 2017, investigators accused convicted murderer Howard Neal of their deaths, who had been living in Ludlow at the time. Eventually Neal confessed to the murders, but claimed he didn't know who the pair was.
Othram was later contacted by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and Barbara Rae-Venter to create a usable DNA profile to help identify the pair. In December 2020, the pair was identified as Pamela Dianne Duffy and William "Digger" Everette Lane, with an announcement being made in April 2021. [39]
Janet Lucas AKA "Christy Crystal Creek"
| External image | |
|---|---|
| Photo of Janet Lucas with 3D Reconstruction |
On September 9, 1985, the skeleton of a young woman, nicknamed "Christy Crystal Creek," was found with two .32 caliber bullets in her skull. No clothing was located at the crime scene. Investigators believed this individual may have died sometime between 1983 and early in 1985. [40] She stood between 4'10 and 5'2, weighing between 90 and 110 pounds. Examination indicated that she had a history of smoking and had many fillings as well as two root canals. She also had a type of oral surgery which is distinct to Asia's dental techniques, involving the screwing of a dental post into the tooth. Along with other physical characteristics, it was previously thought she was possibly of Asian descent. [41] It is possible that serial killer and rapist Wayne Nance was responsible for her murder. Due to his death in 1986, he was never tried or convicted of any murder. [41] [42] [43] Two other victims believed to have been killed by Nance are "Debbie Deer Creek" and "Betty Beavertail," later identified as Marcella Bachmann and Devonna Nelson, respectively. He also may have committed the murders of two others prior to the Jane Doe discoveries. [44]
Lucas was identified in May 2021 with assistance from Othram. She was last seen in Idaho in 1983 and was originally from Spokane, Washington. [45]
Kimberly Funk AKA "Vancleave Jane Doe"
On February 1, 1991, the skeletal remains of a white woman were found by hunters in Vancleave, Mississippi. The cause of death was not determined but believed to be a homicide. She was between 25 and 60 years old, between 5 feet 2 inches and 5 feet 6 inches tall, and weighed between 105 and 135 pounds. Hair color and eye color could not be ascertained. She was found wearing a bathing suit, and various pieces of jewelry of unknown description were found at the scene. Investigators believe she may have been from out of state.
Her case file was destroyed at some point, making various details about her case unknown, including the recovery location and date. [46]
Despite the setbacks, she was identified in June 2021 as Kimberly Funk of Mississippi with assistance from Othram. [47]
Nathan Hine AKA "Lake Laberge John Doe"
On May 9, 2016, the body of a young to middle aged man of unknown ethnicity was found of the eastern side of Lake Laberge near Whitehorse, Yukon. He was estimated to be between 25 and 40 years old, and was 165 cm. tall. Weight, hair color and eye color could not be ascertained. he was described as having crowded teeth. He was found wearing a black jacket, a pair ivory, gray or cream colored long, underwear, a brown and green camo 'CLC' brand glove, a pair of black leather 'Dakota' brand steel-toed work boots, and a black belt with a knife sheath attached. [48]
Othram was contacted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Yukon Coroner Service in 2020 to aid with the investigation. In June 2021, it was announced that he had been identified as Nathan Eugene Hine of Yukon. [49]
Gordon "Gordie" Sanderson AKA "Septic Tank Sam"
On April 13, 1977, the decomposing remains of a young to middle aged Native American or white man were found by residents searching a 1.8 meter-deep septic tank in Tofield, Alberta. He had been shot several times and had been sexually mutilated and tortured beforehand, including being burned with a blowtorch and cigarette lighters. Investigators think that the killer must have been familiar with the area, due to the property being derelict and in a very rural location. He was estimated to be between 26 and 50 years old, was 168 cm tall and weighed 70 kilograms. He had brown hair and notable recent dental work. He was found wearing a Levi work shirt with snap buttons, a gray T-shirt, a pair of jeans, a pair of gray wool socks and a pair of brown imitation 'Wallabee' shoes. [50]
Othram was contacted by the Alberta RCMP and Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in 2020 to develop new leads on his identity or killer. With the new genetic profile, "Septic Tank Sam" was identified in June 2021 as Gordon "Gordie" Edwin Sanderson of Edmonton, Alberta. [4]
Steven Knox AKA "Snohomish Jetty Doe"
| External images | |
|---|---|
| Photo of Steven Knox | |
| Reconstruction by Natalie Murry |
On June 20, 1980, the decomposed body of a young to middle aged white man was found in the Snohomish River near the old Wayerhaeuser Mill and Dagmar Marina in Everett, Washington. Authorities believe he had died as the result of an accidental drowning. He was estimated to be between 20 and 40 years old, was between 5 feet 5 inches and 6 feet tall and weighed 160 pounds. He likely had brown hair and appeared to have teeth in good condition. He was found wearing a tan button-up short-sleeved shirt, a possibly white knit T-shirt, a blue bathing suit with white stripes, and a pair of tan 'Big Mac' brand overalls.
On August 4, 2021, it was announced that he had been identified as Steven Lee Knox with assistance from Othram. [51]
Michael Kirov AKA "Dave"
On July 28, 1995, a man was witnessed by Canadian Pacific Railway employees jumping up from a ditch on the side of a railroad line in front of an oncoming train in Regina, Saskatchewan. The train's driver blew the whistle and he stepped aside, only to seemingly change his mind and step back in front of the train. The train was unable to stop in time and the man was killed instantly, ruled as a suicide.
He was estimated to be between 18 and 29 years old, was 175 cm tall and weighed between 63 and 72 kilograms. He had well groomed short, brown hair and blue eyes. He was found wearing a blue denim button-up shirt with a gold 'crown' logo on the left front pocket, a grey T-shirt with "Boca Authentic" on the front, faded jeans, white socks, a pair of blue and white Reebok hi-top basketball sneakers, a silver rose brooch, and a knapsack with clothing and personal items.
A witness claimed to have been travelling with the decedent from Alberta to Regina. He described the man as well mannered and well groomed, and that his name may have been "Brian", and that he was from Ontario, although other sources state that he called himself "Dave". He did not seem very street savvy, and did not appear to be a drifter. He had enjoyed discussing politics and reading Stephen King novels, and constantly wrote in a diary, which was never found. He may have recently broken up with a girlfriend by the name of "Kathy". [52]
After exhausting leads, Othram was contacted in December 2020 to generate new leads based on DNA. After they returned their findings, Regina Police Service was able to continue their investigation and identify the unknown man as Michael Kirov of Winnipeg, Manitoba, in mid-August 2021. [53]
David Milek AKA "Granite County John Doe"
On August 11, 2014, the remains of a young to middle aged white man were found near Bidwell Gulch at the Welcome Creek Wilderness Area in Philipsburg, Montana. He was believed to possibly be a backpacker or camper, reflected by the items he was found with. He was estimated to be between 23 and 57 years old, was 6 feet tall and weighed 140 pounds. Hair color and eye color could not be determined. He was found wearing a pair of jeans and leather boots. Items found with him included a 'Coleman' brand sleeping bag sack, a knife, and a can of bear spray. [54]
Othram was contacted in April 2021 to help identify the man. He was identified in September 2021 as David John Milek of Dallas, Texas. [55]
Theodore Kampf AKA "Dawson City John Doe"
On May 21, 1983, the remains of a young to middle aged white man were found near the North Fork Dam in Dawson City, Yukon. His cause of death is unknown, but authorities believe his manner of death is homicide. He was found wearing dark blue denim pants, a size 36 belt, white cotton underwear, and white cotton socks. Due to his clothing, he was believed to be American.
Othram was contacted by the Yukon RCMP Historical Case Unit and Yukon Coroner Service in 2019 to assist in identifying the victim. On September 14, 2021, it was announced that he was identified as 46-year-old Theodore Frederick Kampf, who was an American citizen that traveled from Oaklyn, New Jersey to the Yukon in July 1981. Investigators believe that he was murdered that same month. [56]
Margaret Fetterolf AKA "Woodlawn Jane Doe"
On September 12, 1976, the body of a young woman was found partially wrapped in a white sheet near a cemetery in Woodlawn, Baltimore County, Maryland. She had been beaten, strangled, and raped. The rape had caused bleeding that had seeped into her clothing. Investigators speculated that she was murdered at a different location and then left at the scene at which she was found. It was estimated that she was between 15 and 30 years old, 149 and 159 pounds, and 5 feet 6 to 5 feet 9 inches tall. She was found wearing a white and tan shirt, a white bra, and knee-high socks with multi-colored stripes.
Othram was contacted by BODE Technology and Baltimore County Police in February 2021 to produce a comprehensive genealogical profile from DNA extracted from the victim. On September 15, 2021, it was announced that she had been identified as 16-year-old Margaret Fetterolf of Alexandria, Virginia. [57]
Marlene Standridge AKA "Gwinnett County Jane Doe"
On December 9, 1982, a female skull was found in the woods in unincorporated Stone Mountain, Gwinnett County, Georgia. At the time, it was believed that the remains were at the location for 6 to 10 years. The victim was initially thought to be black and between 18 and 30 years old.
Othram was contacted by the Gwinnett Homicide Unit in March 2021 to generate a DNA profile from the skull. DNA analysis determined the victim was white, not black like previously believed. On September 16, 2021, the victim was identified as Marlene Standridge, who had disappeared in the early 1970s. Law enforcement is currently investigating her murder. [58]
Clara Birdlong AKA "Escatawpa Jane Doe"
On December 27, 1977, skeletal human remains were found in Escatawpa, Mississippi. The victim was determined to be an African American woman with a front gold tooth. She possibly wore a wig. It is estimated that the woman might have died 3 to 4 months before she was found.
In 2018, serial killer Samuel Little confessed to numerous murders, including the murder of Escatawpa Jane Doe. Little said he murdered a woman that he met at a bar in Gulfport and that she was possibly from the Pascagoula area. Investigators confirmed that he was arrested in Pascagoula in August 1977 during the time period the victim was estimated to have died. He died in prison on December 2020.
The Jackson County Sheriff's Office, in cooperation with the Mississippi State Crime Lab, reached out to Othram to use advanced DNA testing to identify the victim. On September 21, 2021, it was announced that she had been identified as 44-year-old Clara Birdlong from Leflore County, Mississippi. [59]
Kyle Martin AKA "Palisades Pete"
On September 16, 2002, a skull and several bones were found at the Palisades Reservoir between Big Elk and Blowout Canyon in Bonneville County, Idaho. The remains were determined to belong to a male of an undetermined race that was approximately 25 to 45 years old.
Othram teamed up with the Bonneville County Sheriff's Office and Southeast Missouri State University in March 2021 to identify the remains. On September 23, 2021, the remains were identified as 24-year-old Kyle Martin of Jackson, Wyoming. He disappeared while kayaking in the Hoback River on June 1, 1995, and it is believed that he drowned. [60]
Anderson Bolls AKA "Hinds County John Doe"
On August 27, 2020, the skeletal remains of a man were discovered in a wooded area in Hinds County, Mississippi. He was found wearing khaki pants, white athletic shoes, and a dark colored jacket.
Othram partnered with the Mississippi State Crime Lab to generate his genealogical profile. On September 30, 2021, he was iddentified as 55-year-old Anderson Bolls of Jackson, Mississippi, who had been missing since April 1, 2020. [61]
Janet Robinson AKA "Fort Sumter Jane Doe"
On October 25, 2020, a right foot wearing a sneaker was discovered on a beach near Fort Sumter, Charleston, South Carolina. The victim's left foot was found on March 17, 2021.
Othram received evidence from the Charleston County Coroner's Office in June 2021 to produce leads on the victim's identity. On October 6, 2021, the remains were identified as 57-year-old Janet Robinson, who was originally from Mississippi. [62]
Timothy Gomez AKA "Gardendale John Doe"
On September 10, 2019, a skull and other remains were found on a ranch in Gardendale, Texas. The remains were determined to be from a male and it was estimated that death may have occurred 2 to 5 years prior to discovery. Items found near the victim included an Adidas shoe, pants, a reversible belt, a 2002 Audi flip key fob, and a black hair tie.
Othram was contacted by the Ector County Sheriff's Office and the Texas Rangers in February 2021 to produce a genealogical profile of the victim. On October 14, 2021, he was identified as Timothy Daniel Gomez. [63]
"Nags Head Baby Doe"
On April 4, 1991, the decomposed remains of an infant were found under a trash can in Nags Head, North Carolina. Due to advanced decomposition, gender was unable to be determined. The medical examiner ruled that the cause of death was blunt force trauma and asphyxiation.
Othram was contacted by the Nags Head Police Department to identify the victim, who was eventually determined to be a boy via DNA analysis. On October 25, 2021, it was announced that he was identified as the child of Scott Gordon Poole, and his wife, Robin Lynn Byrum of Taylorsville, North Carolina. The couple was arrested for their involvement in his death. [64]
George Seitz AKA "Queens John Doe"
On March 12, 2019, the dismembered partial remains of a man were discovered in the backyard of a home in Queens, New York City after a woman contacted police and informed them that she had seen her stepfather burying a body when she was a child in the 1970s. However, she did not know the identity of the victim.
Othram partnered with the Queens District Attorney's Office and the NYC FBI to identify the victim. On November 3, 2021, it was announced that he had been identified as 81-year-old George Clarence Seitz, who disappeared after leaving his home to get a haircut on December 10, 1976. Seitz was a World War I veteran. Martin Motta was arrested and indicted by a grand jury for the murder. [65]
Sherri Jarvis AKA "Walker County Jane Doe"
On November 1, 1980, the body of a teenage girl was found along Interstate 45 near Huntsville, Texas, having been beaten severely and strangled. 14-year-old Sherri Ann Jarvis had been in the custody of the state of Minnesota, after excessive truancy from school, until she ran away and disappeared at age 14. It is not known how she made her way to Texas, but three witnesses in the area described her as saying she wanted to go to the now-defunct Ellis Prison Farm to see a "friend". The connection Sherri may have had to the Ellis Prison Farm has never been discovered.
She was publicly identified on November 9, 2021 with assistance from Othram, Inc. The company had began work on the case during the summer of 2020, finding a potential match in March 2021. Further investigation led to the victim's positive identification. [66] [67]
Ongoing cases
| Name | Type | Discovery | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Place | |||
| Mad Trapper of Rat River | Unidentified person | 17 February 1932 | Eagle River, Yukon | Funded [68] |
| Rutherford County John Doe | Unidentified person | 1 August 1978 | Murfreesboro, Tennessee | Funded [69] |
| Laramie County John Doe | Unidentified person | 28 February 1988 | Cheyenne, Wyoming | Funded [70] |
| Saginaw John Doe | Unidentified person | 8 October 1988 | Saginaw, Michigan | Funded [71] |
| Mary Anderson | Unidentified person | 11 October 1996 | Seattle, Washington | Funded [72] |
| Vernon County John Doe | Unidentified person | 12 January 2000 | near Nevada, Missouri | Funded [73] |
| Brianna Maitland | Missing person | 19 March 2004 | Montgomery, Vermont | Funded [74] |
| Walker County Baby Doe | Unidentified person | 4 May 2005 | Huntsville, Texas | Funded [75] |
| New Castle County Jane Doe | Unidentified person | 4 June 2011 | Wilmington, Delaware | Funded [76] |
| Lincoln Jane Doe | Unidentified person | 5 May 2012 | Lincoln, Alabama | Funded [77] |
| Sharkey County John Doe | Unidentified person | 8 January 2014 | Sharkey County, Mississippi | Funded [78] |
| Will County John Doe | Unidentified person | 9 November 1974 | Channahon, Illinois | Requires funding [79] |
| Stilly Doe | Unidentified person | 23 July 1980 | Arlington, Washington | Requires funding [80] |
| Will County Jane Doe | Unidentified person | 19 April 1981 | New Lenox, Illinois | Requires funding [81] |
| Lady in the Lake | Unidentified person | 6 March 2000 | Oak Ridge, Tennessee | Requires funding [82] |
| Angel Baby | Unidentified person | 18 November 2001 | Johnson County, Texas | Requires funding [83] |
| Spring Grove Skull | Unidentified person | 16 December 2005 | Spring Grove, Minnesota | Requires funding [84] |
| Saginaw County John Doe | Unidentified person | 9 September 2018 | Saginaw County, Michigan | Requires funding [85] |
| Columbia Baby Doe | Unidentified person | 15 August 2019 | Columbia, Missouri | Requires funding [86] |
| Baby Wyatt | Unidentified person | 26 March 2020 | Oak Ridge, Tennessee | Requires funding [87] |
| Galveston County John Doe | Unidentified person | 10 May 2020 | Galveston, Texas | Requires funding [88] |
| EastPark John Doe | Unidentified person | 18 July 2020 | Ashland, Kentucky | Requires funding [89] |
| McCollum Park John Doe | Unidentified person | 26 September 2020 | Everett, Washington | Requires funding [90] |
