Summary

On August 5, 2008, a beachgoer walking near the former Silver King Resort, west of Port Angeles, Washington, discovered a shoe containing a sock and what appeared to be human remains. Detectives from the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene, and forensic experts at the King County Medical Examiner’s Office later determined that the remains consisted of a human foot. Despite efforts to identify the individual through conventional forensic methods, the case remained unsolved for years, with no definitive leads as to the identity of the person or the circumstances surrounding their disappearance.

In 2023, the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office partnered with Othram, a forensic laboratory specializing in forensic genetic genealogy, to leverage the latest advancements in forensic DNA analysis to establish the decedent’s identity. Utilizing Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing®, Othram’s scientists were able to extract and sequence DNA from the skeletal remains, generating a comprehensive genetic profile. A DNASolves crowdfunding campaign was launched to support the casework, allowing members of the public to contribute to the effort. With funding secured, Othram conducted a forensic genetic genealogy investigation, which ultimately led to the identification of Jeff Surtel.

Surtel was last seen on April 29, 2007, when he departed from his home in Mission, British Columbia, at approximately midnight, riding his bicycle. His family subsequently reported him missing, prompting an extensive search effort that continued for years without success. While details surrounding his disappearance and how he arrived in Washington remain unclear, his identification provides a critical breakthrough for his family, who had sought answers for nearly two decades.

This case underscores the growing network effect that emerges as more law enforcement agencies integrate Othram’s forensic technology into their investigations. In this instance, the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office required coordination with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to facilitate confirmatory DNA testing. Given Othram’s extensive collaboration with agencies across jurisdictions, Othram was able to expedite the necessary connections between investigators in both the United States and Canada, ensuring that the appropriate DNA comparisons could be conducted efficiently. As more agencies leverage this technology, the ability to solve cases is not only improving but accelerating, as each new agency that joins the effort strengthens the collective capability of forensic investigators worldwide.

Upon receiving confirmation of the identification, Surtel’s family expressed both relief and sorrow, stating, “While the circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain unsolved, we are thankful to finally have answers.” Although aspects of his case remain under investigation, his family now can properly honor and lay him to rest.

This case was solved because of public support and crowdfunding. Individuals can contribute to these efforts by supporting forensic testing initiatives, submitting DNA profiles to the DNASolves database, or sharing information about ongoing cases to raise awareness.