The Georgia Bureau of Investigation Teams with Othram to Identify a 2023 Doe

The skeletal remains of an unidentified individual found deep in the woods of Buchanan, Georgia are to be identified using advanced DNA technology.

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Published September 23 by Michael Vogen
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Highlights

Media Inquiries

Summary

In September 2023, partial skeletal remains belonging to an unknown individual were found near Buchanan, Georgia. Buchanan is located in Haralson County near the Georgia/Alabama state line. The discovery was made deep in a forest and there were no clues about the person's identity. The remains consisted of the top portion of a skull, with the lower mandible and other bones missing. Despite investigators' efforts, no identifying information could be determined, including the individual's sex or ancestry.

In late 2023, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation teamed with Othram to determine if advanced DNA testing could help to identify the individual. Othram scientists will work to develop a suitable DNA extract so that a comprehensive DNA profile can be developed for the individual using Forensic Grade Genome Sequencing®. Othram's in-house forensic genetic genelaogy team will use this profile in a genetic genealogy search.

Anyone with information that could assist in identifying the individual is encouraged to contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation by calling the GBI Tip Line at 1-800-597-8477 or submitting tips online at gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online. Please reference case number 01-0057-01-24.

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Updates

Naming John Doe

December 24

After receiving evidence in this case, Othram scientists successfully extracted DNA and developed a comprehensive SNP profile for the individual, determining that the remains are that of a White male. The man's sex and ancestry could not be determined through other methods. Armed with this information, the investigation into the identity of the man will continue.

Michael Vogen

Michael Vogen

Director of Case Management

832-906-4247
2829 Technology Forest Blvd Suite 100, The Woodlands, Texas 77381
media@othram.com

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.

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About Othram Inc.

Othram is the world’s first private DNA laboratory built specifically to apply the power of modern parallel sequencing to forensic evidence. Othram’s scientists are experts at ... Read morerecovery, enrichment, and analysis of human DNA from trace quantities of degraded or contaminated materials. Founded in 2018, and located in The Woodlands, Texas, our team works with academic researchers, forensic scientists, medical examiners, and law enforcement agencies to achieve results when other approaches have failed. Follow Othram on Twitter @OthramTech or visit Othram.com to learn how we can help you with your case. With dnasolves.com anyone can make a difference and help solve the next cold case.