Summary
On March 28, 2022, the remains of an unidentified individual were discovered in Deshong Park in Chester, Pennsylvania. The remains were found buried near East 11th Street and Crosby Street after a local artist reported that a homeless man said he knew where a body was located. Inside were the remains of an adult woman. Investigators determined the death was a homicide caused by blunt force injury to the neck, and because the remains were decomposed and the fingertips had been removed, identification was not immediately possible. Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP90745.
In 2022, investigators with the Delaware County Medical Examiner Office partnered with Othram to determine whether advanced DNA testing could help identify the individual. Forensic evidence was submitted to Othram's laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas for analysis. A DNASolves® crowdfund was established to cover Othram's casework costs; we are grateful to those who donated.
At Othram, scientists used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to develop a comprehensive SNP profile from the evidence. This profile enabled a forensic genetic genealogy search led by Othram's in-house forensic genetic genealogy team.
During the course of this investigation, a tip was received, which led to the positive identification of the person, who is now known to be Dorraine Wilkins. Further investigation determined that local man John Johnson was identified in connection with her death and later pleaded guilty to third-degree murder.
Individuals who have taken a consumer DNA test can aid ongoing forensic investigations by joining the DNASolves database. Expanding the pool of available DNA data increases the likelihood of successful identifications, helping to reunite families with their missing loved ones and resolve cases that have remained unsolved for years.
This is the 16th publicly announced case in the State of Pennsylvania where officials leveraged Othram's identity inference pipeline. Learn more by visiting Othram.com.
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.