Summary
In November 1989, the remains of an unidentified man were found in Columbus, Ohio. The Columbus Police Department responded and began collecting evidence and investigating. Investigators recovered the remains which were found behind a fence approximately 500 feet off the roadway near 3001 Walcutt Road, in Franklin County, Ohio. The Franklin County Coroner's Office determined that the man was White, stood about 5' 7", and was likely 45 to 55 years old. He was wearing blue pants and a white belt. Despite a lengthy investigation, the man could not be identified and he became known as Franklin County John Doe (1989). Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP14619.
In early 2025, the Franklin County Coroner's Office collaborated with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation to submit forensic evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas to determine if advanced DNA testing could help identify the man. Othram scientists successfully developed a DNA extract from the provided evidence and then used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile for the man which were new investigative leads that were returned to law enforcement. Working with law enforcement, The Porchlight Project's forensic genetic genealogist worked to developed new leads in the case.
Using this new information, a follow-up investigation was conducted leading investigators to potential relatives of the man. Reference DNA samples were collected from a relative and compared to the DNA profile of the unidentified man. This investigation led to the positive identification of the man, who is now known to be Ernest Emerson Carter, who was born in 1923. Very little is known about Carter’s life or death.
Othram's casework costs were funded by The Porchlight Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that offers funding for DNA testing and genetic genealogy for Ohio cold cases. We are grateful for their support.
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.
The identification of Ernest Carter represents the 3rd case in the State of Ohio where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram. Visit DNASolves to learn about other Ohio 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.