Summary
In June 2023, the skeletal remains of an unidentified individual were discovered by an ATV driver in a desert area of Pahrump, Nevada. Pahrump is a city located directly west of Las Vegas along the Nevada/California state line. An autopsy was conducted by the Clark County Office of the Coroner and Medical Examiner. It was determined that the remains were that of a man, whose ancestry could not be determined. The man was 35 to 65 years old and 5’7'' to 5’10" tall. The man's identity was unknown and details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP111870.
In December 2023, the Nye County Sheriff’s Office submitted forensic evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas in hopes that advanced DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy could help to identify the man. Othram scientists successfully developed a DNA extract from the forensic evidence and then used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive genealogical profile for the unknown man. Othram’s in-house forensic genetic genealogy team then used this profile to conduct genetic genealogy research, ultimately providing new investigative leads to law enforcement.
Using this new information, a follow-up investigation was conducted, leading investigators to potential relatives of the man. A reference DNA sample was collected from a possible relative and compared to the DNA profile of the unknown man using KinSNP® rapid relationship testing. This investigation led to the positive identification of the man, who is now known to be Daniel Patrick Core, born November 2, 1960.
Core was reported missing by family members in September 2022. Investigators launched a missing persons investigation, which found that he was last seen in August of 2022 riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle in Pahrump near Homestead and Gamebird Roads. After a lengthy investigation, the missing persons case went cold. Core's death is being investigated as a potential homicide. Anyone with information about Daniel Core is urged to contact the Nye County Sheriff's Office at 775-751-7000, or to remain anonymous, report a tip to Crime Stopper by calling 702-385-5555 or visiting www.crimestoppersofnv.com.
Funding for the advanced DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy used in this case was provided by NamUs, a national clearinghouse that assists the criminal justice community with the investigation and resolution of missing, unidentified, and unclaimed persons cases across the United States and its territories. NamUs is funded and administered by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and is managed through a contract with Research Triangle Institute International. We are grateful for the support of RTI, NamUs, and the NIJ.
The identification of Daniel Patrick Core represents the 13th case in the State of Nevada where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram. Visit DNASolves to learn about other Nevada cases.
Michael Vogen
Director of Case Management
Michael works with law enforcement agencies throughout the United States and Canada on “unsolvable“ cases that can benefit from advanced DNA testing methods. He helps these agencies use cutting edge DNA sequencing and new forensic techniques to develop investigative leads for their cases.