Summary
In November 2023, the unidentified skeletal remains of an unknown individual were found by people walking along a creek bed in unincorporated Tarrant County, the Texas county that includes the city of Fort Worth. Alongside the skeletal remains, which could not be identified, law enforcement found a t-shirt with no observable details, Hanes socks and a cap with "Mrs. Baird's" on the front.
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner's office determined that the person was likely an adult male who would have been about 6 feet tall. Despite an extensive investigation, the man could not be identified and he became known as Tarrant County John Doe. In May 2024, details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP121991.
In the summer of 2024, the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office sent forensic evidence to Othram's laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas in hopes that advanced DNA testing could help identify the man. Othram scientists produced a suitable DNA extract from the remains and a comprehensive DNA profile was then developed for the man using Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing®.
Othram's in-house forensic genetic genealogy team then conducted a genealogical search that resulted in new leads, which led to family members who assisted in the investigation. The follow-up investigative work led to the positive identification of the man, who is now known to be Greg Willer Reichert, who was born April 10, 1948. Greg was known to be missing, and was last known to be in Texas.
Individuals who have taken a consumer DNA test can assist ongoing forensic investigations by joining the DNASolves database. Expanding the pool of available DNA profiles 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 Greg Reichert is the 20th case in Texas where officials have publicly identified an individual using Othram technology. Visit DNASolves to learn about other Texas cases.
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.