Summary
In January 2024, the Reidsville Police Department responded to a call regarding a structure fire at a vacant residence in Reidsville, North Carolina. Both the Reidsville Police and Fire Departments arrived at the scene, where they discovered an unidentified victim inside the building. The homeowner, who resided out of state, confirmed that no one should have been on the property. While on-site, a man approached the authorities, claiming that his family member lived at the address. Due to the severe burns sustained by the victim, fingerprints could not be obtained. The body was transported to the Medical Examiner's Office in Raleigh for an autopsy, but without dental or medical records, a positive identification could not be made. However, a blood sample from the victim was collected for further investigation. 
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation submitted forensic evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas to determine if advanced DNA testing could help identify the man. Using Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing®, Othram scientists developed a comprehensive DNA profile for the male victim.
In the course of the investigation, the possible family member contributed a reference DNA sample to help rule out the chance that the victim could be related to them. The family member's DNA profile was then compared to the unidentified man's DNA profile using KinSNP® Priority Service for Rapid Relationship Testing, which allows investigators to infer kinship in both closely and distantly related individuals. Using this information in conjunction with a follow up investigation, the agency was able to confirm the identity of the male victim as Jesse Eugene Settle, born April 8th, 1963.
The identification of Jesse Eugene Settle represents the tenth case in the State of North Carolina where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram. Most recently in Charlotte, North Carolina, Cody Ray Herrell was identified after one year.
Michael Vogen
Director of Case Management
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.