Summary
In April 1989, the remains of an unknown individual were found by a farmer under a bridge in Beebe, a town in White County, Arkansas, just northeast of Little Rock. Law enforcement responded to investigate and found the decomposed remains of a man who had apparently died earlier in the year. He had been shot multiple times with a small caliber weapon and authorities believe his body had likely been dumped there. The area where he was found was essentially deserted about 3/10ths of a mile west of Highway 31 on County Road 123. He was an adult man, between 18 and 60 years old with brown hair, brown eyes, and a 2-3 day beard.
The man was wearing a pair of blue Dickey's pants and a red t-shirt. He was described as being stocky, about 6 feet tall, and weighed about 226 pounds. Authorities opened a homicide investigation, and despite a lengthy investigation, including releasing sketches of what the man likely looked like when he was killed, officials could not identify him and he became known as White County John Doe. Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP5139.
In 2024, the Arkansas State Police (ASP) Cold Case Unit and the White County Sheriff's Office partnered with Othram to apply advanced DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy in hopes of identifying the unknown man. Using Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing®, Othram successfully developed a comprehensive DNA profile that could be used for genealogical research. Othram's in-house forensic genetic genealogy team executed this research, leading to a possible family match. Armed with a tentative identification, investigators located a potential relative. ASP Cold Case investigators contacted the relative and obtained a DNA sample for comparison. That testing confirmed the identity of the unknown man as Karl Brian Hooten, who went by Brian Hooten. He was from Vilonia, Arkansas, about 40 miles southwest of where he was found.
The White County Sheriff’s Office and ASP CID continue to investigate the case. Anyone who knew Hooten or has information about him or his death should call ASP at (870) 931-0043 or the White County Sheriff’s Office at (501) 279-6279.
This identification highlights the power of forensic genetic genealogy and its ability to provide long-awaited answers in cold cases. Those interested in supporting the application of forensic genetic genealogy in unidentified person cases can contribute directly to DNASolves. Individuals who have taken a consumer DNA test can aid ongoing forensic investigations by joining the DNASolves database.
The identification of Brian Hooten represents the 6th case in the State of Arkansas where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram. Visit DNASolves to learn about other Arkansas cases.
Dan Miller
Director of Customer Service
Dan guides law enforcement agencies across the United States and internationally through every step of the forensic process—from crime scene to courtroom. He ensures investigators have the support and resources they need to navigate advanced DNA testing and maximize the impact of forensic evidence in their cases.