Summary

In April 2025, partial skeletal remains belonging to an unidentified individual were found at 28th & Vine in Kansas City, Missouri. Law enforcement agencies responded to the scene and recognized that the discovery site was an area where the remains of a murdered man had been found in 2016. The investigation led officials to believe that the remains found in 2025 possibly belonged to the homicide victim found in 2016.

In May 2025, the Jackson County Medical Examiner's Office submitted forensic evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas for advanced DNA testing to determine if the remains belonged to the 2016 homicide victim or another individual. Othram scientists successfully developed a DNA extract from the provided evidence and then used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile for the person.

A reference DNA sample was collected and compared to the DNA profile of the remains using KinSNP® Rapid Relationship Testing. This comparison led to the positive identification of the person, who is now known to be Ezekiel Willie. Willie was born May 14, 1991. His remains were previously identified in 2016.

Individuals who have taken a consumer DNA test can aid ongoing forensic investigations by joining the DNASolves database. Expanding the pool of available DNA data increases the likelihood of successful identifications, helping to reunite families with their missing loved ones and resolve cases.

The identification of Ezekiel Willie represents the 20th case in the State of Missouri where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram. Visit DNASolves to learn about other Missouri cases where your support can help bring long-awaited answers to families.