Summary

In September 2018, the remains of an unidentified individual were discovered in Detroit, Michigan. The skeletal remains, including a skull and bones, were found by an AT&T worker behind a vacant home in the 14200 block of Camden on the east side of Detroit. It was estimated that the remains were that of a Black female between the ages of 17 and 22 years. The woman was estimated to be between 5’8” and 6’1” tall. The woman could not be identified and details of the cases were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP52302.

In 2023, the Detroit Police Department teamed with Othram to determine if advanced DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy could help generate new leads and assist with identifying the unknown woman. Evidence was submitted to Othram’s laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas where casework costs were paid by the Action Now Initiative, an advocacy network that supports the mission of Arnold Ventures to maximize opportunity and minimize injustice through evidence-based policy reform.

Othram scientists successfully developed a DNA extract and used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile for the unknown woman. Othram’s in-house forensic genetic genealogy team then used this profile to conduct genealogy research, ultimately providing new investigative leads to law enforcement.

Using these new leads, a follow-up investigation was launched leading to potential family members of the unidentified woman. The follow-up investigation led to a potential relative of the woman, who provided a reference DNA sample. The potential relative's DNA profile was compared to the DNA profile developed for the unknown woman using KinsSNP® Rapid Relationship Testing. This investigation led to the identification of the woman as Tiffany Tillmon, born February 8, 1992.

The identification of Tiffany Tillmon represents the 17th case in Michigan where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram.