Summary
On July 18, 1996, skeletal remains were discovered in a wooded area near the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. An autopsy by the Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that the remains belonged to a female homicide victim. The case was entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as case number UP51236. Despite extensive efforts—including forensic anthropology and traditional identification methods—the woman remained unidentified for more than two decades.
In 2024, with support from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Foundation, CMPD submitted the remains to Othram, a forensic laboratory specializing in advanced DNA testing. Due to the condition of the remains, multiple attempts were required to build a suitable DNA profile. Ultimately, Othram scientists used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to successfully develop a comprehensive DNA profile suitable for forensic genetic genealogy.
After receiving the profile, CMPD enlisted the help of an additional team to perform genealogical research. Promising leads were developed and law enforcement investigators ultimately identified the woman as Betty Jean Benton. The identification was confirmed through a DNA sample provided by one of Benton’s relatives.
Betty Benton was born in Louisiana on February 27, 1954, and spent most of her life in Chicago, Illinois. Her family last heard from her in February 1991, when she said she was in North Carolina. She was reported missing in 1992, but no further trace of her was found—until now. The circumstances of her death remain under investigation.
This case highlights the growing impact of advanced DNA technology in solving long-standing unidentified human remains cases. The DNA profile developed by Othram, after several rounds of testing, was the key to unlocking the potential for forensic genetic genealogy.
The CMPD Cold Case Unit continues to investigate the circumstances of Betty Benton’s death. Detectives are asking for the public’s help: anyone who had contact with Benton while she was in North Carolina is urged to call 704-432-TIPS and reference complaint number 19 960-718-1043-00. As of April 2025, CMPD is still working to identify at least nine additional individuals, with cases dating as far back as 1932.
This represents the 13th publicly-announced case in North Carolina where officials have used Othram technology to identify an individual. Consider contributing your DNA data to the DNASolves® database which aids law enforcement in identifying perpetrators and giving families the answers they deserve.
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.