Summary

In December 2021, the remains of an unidentified individual were found inside of an abandoned residence on Wolfe Street in Brunswick, Georgia. Brunswick is a small town with a population of approximately 15,000 residents located just south of Savannah near the Turtle River. The Brunswick Police Department responded to the scene and collected evidence in hopes of identifying the unknown individual.

It was determined that the remains were that of a Black male who was between the ages of 45 and 60 years. The man was estimated to be 5'9" to 5'11" tall. Near the man's remains, investigators found a baseball cap, red sweater, cargo shorts, and a sock. No identifying information was discovered at the scene. The Brunswick Police Department requested that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) assist with the investigation and identification.

Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP122003 in May 2024. Despite investigators' efforts, the man could not be identified, and he was classified as Glynn County John Doe.

In 2023, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation 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 provided evidence and then used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile for the man. 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 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 Christopher Lamont Williams, who was born April 30, 1981. Christopher Williams was reported missing in June 2021. The case is not under investigation as the autopsy and investigation revealed no signs of trauma or foul play.

A portion of Othram's casework costs associated with the advanced DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy completed in this case were contributed by donors through a DNASolves® crowdfund. We are grateful to everyone that helped crowdfund this case and other DNASolves cases. The remaining cost of Othram's casework was paid by law enforcement.

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 Christopher Williams represents the 25th case in the State of Georgia where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram. Visit DNASolves to learn about other Georgia cases where your support can help bring long-awaited answers to families.