Summary
On November 8, 2022, deputies with the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of human remains discovered in a wooded area off Lower Maple Avenue in the Town of Elmira. Investigators secured and processed the scene and subsequently transferred the remains for examination. The NamUs case ID for this investigation was UP102884.
Despite initial investigative efforts and the presence of skeletal remains, authorities were unable to determine the identity of the decedent using conventional forensic methods. In May 2024, the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office partnered with Othram, an accredited forensic laboratory specializing in human identification, based in The Woodlands, Texas. Othram used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to develop a comprehensive DNA profile suitable for genealogical comparison.
Once the DNA profile was built, it was provided to the FBI’s forensic genetic genealogy team, which performed a genealogical search to identify potential relatives. Using this information, investigators developed new leads that ultimately led to the positive identification of the decedent as Randy S. Seck. Seck was born in 1992 and is estimated to have been 30 when he went missing.
The Chemung County Sheriff’s Office has not released additional information regarding the circumstances of Seck’s death, and the investigation remains ongoing. Members of the public with relevant information are encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office to assist with the case.
The identification of Randy S. Seck is the 14th identification announced in New York using Othram technology. You can view other New York cases solved with Othram technology here.
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.