Summary

In September 2024, human remains were found in a sinkhole near Top of the Rock, a natural attraction area in Taney County, Missouri, just southeast of Branson. The remains were found by a worker taking photos of the area for a routine geological study. The area, which cannot be accessed by motorized vehicles, is not accessible to the public and was not used by employees or contract companies. It was determined that the remains belonged to a white male. The man was wearing a dark color t-shirt, blue jeans, a belt, and a pair of Nike shoes with one shoe partially on and the other one not on.

The man's body was found stomach down in an open area of collapsed rock, which was approximately 80 to 100 feet below the nearest rock formations. The man had multiple fractures that were visible upon observation and rocks were positioned on top of his body.

Working with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Taney County Coroner’s Office teamed with Othram to use advanced DNA technology to help identify the man. During the course of the investigation, investigators identified a potential relative of the man. The relative submitted a reference DNA sample which was compared to the unidentified man's DNA profile using KinSNP® Rapid Relationship Testing. This investigation led to the positive identification of the man as 40-year-old Jacob Berney who was born on September 27, 1983. Jacob was reported missing from Branson, Missouri on July 18, 2024.

The identification of Jacob Berney represents the 17th case in the State of Missouri where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram. To read about other cases in Missouri cases, visit DNASolves.