Summary
In November 2023, the skeletal remains of an unidentified individual were discovered by a Lauderdale County Deputy in a field while on patrol in Meridian, Mississippi. Meridian is a city about 92 miles east of Jackson. It was decided to let the Meridian Police Department make the recovery so as to not disturb the area any further. The remains were then taken to the MIssissippi State Medical Examiner where evidence of traumatic injury at or around the time of death was found. An assessment of the remains, looking at the skull bones and dental development, suggested the man was between 25 and 45 years old. No other identifying characteristics could be determined.
In May 2024, the Mississippi State Medical Examiner submitted 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 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. The work was funded by philanthropist and Mississippi native Carla Davis.
Using this new information, a follow-up investigation was conducted leading investigators to potential relatives of the man. Reference DNA samples were collected from the potential relatives and compared to the DNA profile of the unknown man. This investigation led to the positive identification of the man, who is now known to be Geno L. Jones, born August 21, 1990. An investigation into his death continues.
The identification of Geno L. Jones represents the 30th case in the State of Mississippi where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram. Most recently in Jackson County, Mississippi, homicide victim John “Johnnie” Allen Gallegos, was identified after 23 years.
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.