Summary
On May 23, 2005, investigators responded to a junkyard along U.S. Highway 41 in Tampa, Florida, where the remains of an unidentified man were discovered inside the sleeper compartment of a truck. The man was found in an advanced state of decomposition, making identification through traditional investigative methods difficult. He was estimated to have been between 50 and 60 years old.
Investigators carefully documented several distinguishing characteristics that could aid in identifying the man, including a scar on his lower right abdomen and tattoos on his left lower leg. Among the personal belongings recovered near the remains was a knapsack bearing the handwritten message, "SCOT, LOVE MOM," which ultimately yielded no definitive identification despite years of investigative effort.
Seeking new leads, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner partnered with Othram to apply advanced forensic DNA technology to the case. Scientists at Othram performed DNA extraction followed by Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to develop a comprehensive DNA profile suitable for forensic genetic genealogy.
Othram's forensic genetic genealogy team used the resulting DNA profile to develop new investigative leads that ultimately enabled investigators to identify the man as William Lewis Crummey. The identification restores his name after more than twenty years and provides long-awaited answers to those connected to his life. Crummey's family had not heard from him since early 2005.
Funding for the advanced DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy that helped resolve this case was provided through Florida Senate Bill 678, legislation championed by Senator Jennifer Bradley to expand the use of advanced forensic DNA technology in identifying unknown individuals and advancing cold case investigations throughout Florida.
This is the 61st publicly-announced case in Florida where investigator's leveraged Othram's identity inference pipeline to identify an individua. To learn more about how Othram's technology is helping identify unknown individuals and advance investigations across the United States, visit Othram's website.
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.