Summary
In June 2022, the partial skeletal remains of an unknown individual were transferred into the custody of the Mississippi Office of the State Medical Examiner’s Office. It is believed that the remains were likely discovered in 1999. No identifying information, including sex or likely ancestry, could be reliably determined for the individual. Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP111125. The case did not match any known missing persons.
In October 2023, the Mississippi Office of the State Medical Examiner and Mississippi Bureau of Investigation partnered with Othram to determine if advanced forensic DNA testing could help to identify the individual. Forensic evidence was submitted to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas. Othram scientists successfully developed a DNA extract from the evidence and then used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing to build a comprehensive DNA profile. During this process, the individual’s sex was determined to be male. Othram’s in-house forensic genetic genealogy team used the profile to conduct genealogical research and develop new investigative leads that were returned to investigators.
Using these leads, a follow-up investigation was launched, and contact was made with a potential relative of the unknown man. This investigation and confirmatory DNA testing led to the identity of the man as John “Johnny” Edward Billingsley, born on January 31, 1964, in Somerville, Fayette County, Tennessee. Billingsley resided in Memphis, Tennessee with his grandmother and he was last seen in March 1990 at the age of 26. Anyone with information that could assist in this investigation is encouraged to call the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation at 888-827-4637, referencing case number ME22-5006.
Funding for casework completed by Othram was provided by Mississippi native and philanthropist, Carla Davis, who is committed to resolving the backlog of cold cases in Mississippi. The identification of John Billingsley represents the 25th case in the State of Mississippi where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram. Most recently in Jackson, Elton Orlando Jackson was identified.
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.