Summary
In October 2022, the remains of an unidentified individual were found near Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Conservation Officers from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks responded to a report of possible game-related illegal activity on the north side of the Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center. While investigating, the Conservation Officers discovered skeletal remains in a wooded area. The Forrest County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), military representatives from Camp Shelby and the Forrest County Coroner responded to the scene with assistance provided by the University of Southern Mississippi Anthropology Department.
In December 2022, the Forrest County Sheriff's Office, assisted by students and faculty from the University of Southern Mississippi's Anthropology Department and a canine named Rambeaux, provided by the company, DNA K9, performed an additional search of the area. The team located more human remains belonging to the individual during this search. It was determined that the remains were that of a white female, who was likely less than 60 years old at the time of her death and who stood between 5’5” and 5’9” tall.
Two rings, a band with diamonds and a solid silver band, were found in close proximity to the woman’s remains. A certified jeweler verified that, based on the cut of the stones and the setting, the diamonds were real, and the ring was likely vintage. No identifying characteristics could be determined for the woman, and she was classified as Jane Doe. Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP111129.
In 2023, working with the Mississippi Office of the State Medical Examiner, the Forrest County Sheriff’s Office submitted forensic evidence to Othram, in The Woodlands, Texas to determine if advanced DNA testing could help identify the woman. Funding to support this case was provided by Mississippi native and philanthropist Carla Davis, who is committed to resolving the backlog of cold cases in Mississippi. Othram scientists successfully developed a DNA extract from the forensic evidence, and then used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive genealogical profile for the unknown woman. Othram’s in-house forensic genetic genealogy team then used this profile to conduct extensive genetic genealogy research, ultimately providing new investigative leads to law enforcement.
A follow-up investigation led investigators to genetic relatives of the unknown woman. DNA reference testing was performed, confirming the identity of the woman as Kimberly Ann Robertson of State Line, Mississippi. Robertson was born January 12, 1974 and worked as a nurse. Robertson’s death remains under investigation and further information will be released as it becomes available.
If you have any information regarding this investigation, please contact Forrest County Sheriff’s Office, or to remain anonymous, contact Metro Crimestoppers at www.P3tips.com.
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.