Summary
In 2006, a man who had gone by the name "Steven A. Mason" for at least 10 years before his death, died of natural causes in his home in Apopka, a northern suburb of Orlando, Florida. He was identified visually by his wife, and his identity was confirmed with fingerprints. However, after he died, it was discovered that he was living under a fake name and his real identity was unknown. He was described as a white man with blue eyes and short graying hair. He was between 45 to 65 years old when he died and his left earlobe was pierced twice and his right ear was not pierced. On his right forearm, he had a tattoo of "Yosemite Sam." On his left forearm, he had a tattoo of the "Tazmanian Devil" and near his left wrist, he had a tattoo of a heart with an arrow through it. Despite efforts by investigators to determine who he was, his real identity was a mystery and details of the case were entered into NamUs as UP9397.
In 2024, the Orange County Sheriff's Office teamed with Othram in The Woodlands, Texas to determine if advanced DNA testing could help identify the man. Othram scientists developed a DNA extract from the forensic evidence and used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile that can be used for forensic genetic genealogy analysis. Othram’s in-house forensic genetic genealogy (FGG) team used this profile to conduct extensive genetic genealogy research, ultimately providing new investigative leads to law enforcement to identify the man.
Using those leads, the Orange County Sheriff's Office continued to investigate and were able to locate possible relatives of the unknown man. Investigators then interviewed some of those possible relatives. One person submitted a reference DNA sample which was compared to the unidentified man's DNA profile using KinSNP® Rapid Relationship Testing. This investigation led to the positive identification of the man as David D’intinosanto, who was born September 12, 1958. He was estranged from family in Massachusetts and New Hampshire and had been known to use fake identities.
The identification of David D’intinosanto is the 41st case in the State of Florida where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram. Visit DNASolves to learn about other Florida cases, where your support can help bring long-awaited answers to families.
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.