Summary
On July 11, 2000, the remains of an unidentified individual were discovered in the Sol Duc back country of Olympic National Park in Clallam County, Washington. The skeletonized remains were found alongside several items including binoculars, a green-black bivy-style tent, a Jansport day hiker pack, a blue shoulder bag, a folding saw, a space blanket, a sleeping bag, and small/medium-sized winter wear. Investigators believed the remains belonged to a male between 30 and 50 years old, but no identification was found and no identification could be made.
Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP11888.
In November 2024, the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch worked with the King County Medical Examiner's Office to submit forensic evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas. At Othram, scientists successfully developed a DNA extract from the skeletal evidence and then used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile for the man. Othram's in-house forensic genetic genealogy team then used the profile in a genetic genealogy search to develop new investigative leads that were returned to law enforcement.
Using this new information, the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch contacted potential relatives in several states, including Hawaii, and coordinated interviews and the collection of reference DNA samples for comparison using KinSNP® Rapid Relationship Testing. Based on genetic, genealogical and circumstantial evidence, investigators were able to identify the remains as those of Joseph Louis Serrao, Jr., born December 3, 1960.
According to his family, Serrao was originally from Hawaii and had been in Washington before he went missing. The family's last known contact with him was in 1998, and he had not been heard from him since.
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 49th publicly announced case in the State of Washington where officials leveraged Othram's identity inference pipeline. Explore other cases on Othram's website.
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.