Summary
In August 1988, the skeletal remains of an unidentified individual were found by a crew of construction workers in a remote area of Independence, a city in the Kansas City, Missouri metro area. The workers found a human skull and contacted the Independence Police Department, which responded and began collecting evidence. Their investigation led to the recovery of approximately 40 percent of a human skeleton. While it was estimated that the remains belonged to be a 20 to 30 year old adult, it could not be determined if the remains belonged to a male or female. Despite a lengthy investigation, the person could not be identified.
In 2024, the Independence Police Department and Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Lab worked together to submit forensic evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas to determine if advanced DNA testing could help identify the person. 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 unknown individual. Othram's in-house forensic genetic genealogy team used the profile in a genealogy search to develop new investigative leads that were returned to law enforcement.
Using this new information, a follow-up investigation was conducted leading investigators to potential relatives of the person. Reference DNA samples were collected from a relative and compared to the DNA profile of the unidentified individual. This investigation led to the positive identification of the person, who is now known to be Kimberly Lawanda Carter.
Kimberly Carter was a 19-year-old mother of three who disappeared under suspicious circumstances from Kansas City, Missouri on July 5, 1984. She left her children with a friend and went to work, but never came home. Carter's missing person case was entered into NamUs as MP231. Foul play is suspected in Kimberly Carter's disappearance and death. The Independence Police Department remains committed to seeking justice for Kimberly Carter and her family and a criminal investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Independence Police Department at (816) 325-7300 or the TIPS hotline at (816) 474-TIPS.
This investigative effort was made possible by legislation sponsored by State Representative Tricia Byrnes of Wentzville. In 2024, Rep. Byrnes secured $1.5 million in state funding to support the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s efforts to identify unidentified human remains through forensic genetic genealogy.
Individuals who have taken a consumer DNA test can aid ongoing forensic investigations by joining the DNASolves database. Expanding the number of available DNA profiles increases the likelihood of successful identifications, helping to reunite families with their missing loved ones and resolve cases that have remained unsolved for years.
The identification of Kimberly Carter represents the 23nd 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.
Dan Miller
Director of Customer Service
Dan guides law enforcement agencies across the United States and internationally through every step of the forensic process—from crime scene to courtroom. He ensures investigators have the support and resources they need to navigate advanced DNA testing and maximize the impact of forensic evidence in their cases.