Summary
On June 22, 1996, the remains of an unidentified individual were discovered in Decatur, Georgia shortly after a shooting on Ansley Street. The DeKalb County District Attorney's Office investigated the case. Investigators determined the individual was an adult male who had died from a gunshot wound after entering a residence. The man was found wearing a dark colored pullover shirt with the logo “Conversion Experience” and a pair of dark blue/black sweatpants. He was also wearing a pair of purple, black, and gold colored Nike athletic shoes. No identification was found and there was no way to identify the man at the time.
Despite investigative efforts, the man could not be identified. Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP99143.
In September 2025, the DeKalb County District Attorney's Office submitted forensic evidence to Othram where scientists successfully built a comprehensive DNA profile for the man using Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing®. Othram's in-house forensic genetic genealogy team used the profile in a genetic genealogy search to develop new investigative leads that were returned to law enforcement.
Using this new information, a follow-up investigation was conducted leading investigators to potential relatives of the person. Reference DNA samples were collected from potential relatives and compared to the DNA profile of the unknown person using KinSNP® Rapid Relationship Testing. This investigation led to the positive identification of the person, who is now known to be Jerome Scott, born November 11, 1954. Anyone with information is urged to contact the DeKalb County District Attorney's Office Cold Case Tip Line at 404-371-2444.
Individuals who have taken a consumer DNA test can aid ongoing forensic investigations by joining the DNASolves database. Expanding the number 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 31st publicly announced case in the State of Georgia 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.