Summary
On September 21, 2012, the remains of an unidentified man were discovered in a wooded area near Wimauma, Florida. The individual was found in an advanced state of decomposition, making identification through traditional investigative methods difficult. Investigators believed the man may have experienced homelessness, but despite extensive efforts, his identity remained unknown for years.
In an effort to generate new investigative leads, the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner's Office District 13 and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office teamed 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 profile to develop new investigative leads that ultimately enabled investigators to identify the man as Cartis Jackson. Jackson was born in Georgia in 1946, moved to Florida with his family as an infant, and had been estranged from his family since 2005. This identification restores Mr. Jackson's name more than a decade after his remains were found.
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.
Othram is honored to assist the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner's Office District 13 and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office in their efforts to restore the names of unidentified individuals and provide answers for families and communities.
This is the 60th 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.