Summary
In October 2020, a right foot bearing a shoe was found washed up on a beach near Fort Sumter, SC. The remains for this unknown person were taken in to custody by Deputy Coroner Anita Hasert and the Charleston County Coronor's office forensic team, along with forensic anthropologist Dr. Suzanne Able evaluated the remains in order to try to develop leads that might help identify the individual. Unfortunately, no other items were recovered with the foot and there were few clues to who this person might be. The team did evaluate and researcher the shoe which was a black and green “On Cloud” sneaker type shoe.
Investigators also submitted a DNA sample from the foot to the University of North Texas, in order to develop a DNA profile that could be submitted to CODIS. Investigators also asked for the public's help in spreading awareness about the case. The hope was that perhaps someone might recognize the shoe type as one that might be worn by a missing family member. Many leads were received and followed up on, but no lead led to the identify of our unknown person.
In June 2021, investigators sent evidence to Othram in hopes that advanced DNA testing and genetic genealogy might produce leads to the unknown person's identity. Othram used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to generate a comprehensive genealogical profile of the remains. Othram's genealogy team produced leads that were returned in September 2021 to investigators. A follow up investigation by the Charleston County Coroner's Office confirmed the investigative leads and thus confirmed the identity of the unknown person as 57-year old Janet Robinson. An investigation into the circumstances of her death is ongoing. The investigators are hopeful that more remains or evidence may be found, so that they might be able to determine a cause of death and bring answers to her family.
Should anyone have information regarding Janet Robinson and her disappearance and subsequent death, please call the Charleston County Coroner’s Office at 843-746-4030 or the Charleston County Sheriff’s Department whom we are working closely with.
Michael Vogen
Director of Case Management
Michael works with law enforcement agencies throughout the United States and Canada on “unsolvable“ cases that can benefit from advanced DNA testing methods. He helps these agencies use cutting edge DNA sequencing and new forensic techniques to develop investigative leads for their cases.