Summary
In October 2016, the skeletal remains of an unidentified individual were discovered in Nashville, Tennessee. A volunteer crew made the initial discovery while working to clean up debris in a creek at Church Street Park. The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department responded to the scene and located the remains scattered throughout Browns Creek.
It was determined that the remains were that of a white male who was between the ages of 40 and 66 years at the time of his death. No other identifying characteristics could be determined, and despite investigator’s efforts, the case went cold. The man became known as Browns Creek John Doe.
In May 2022, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department teamed with Othram to determine if advanced DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy could help identify the man. Forensic evidence was submitted to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas. 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 man. Othram’s in-house forensic genetic genealogy team then used this profile to conduct extensive forensic genetic genealogy research, ultimately providing new investigative leads to law enforcement.
A follow-up investigation led investigators to relatives of the unknown man. DNA reference testing was performed, confirming the identity of the man as Kinloch Wilkinson, Jr., born December 13, 1959. Kinloch was very loved and missed by his family, who had not heard from him in over a decade.
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.