Lafourche Parish Coroner's Office Teams with Othram to Identify a 1984 John Doe

More than four decades later, the remains of an unidentified man discovered in a swampy area near Thibodaux in LaFourche Parish, Louisiana are to be identified.

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Published April 04, 2025 by Dan Miller
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Summary

In October 1984, the skeletal remains of an unidentified individual were found in the swamps of Leeville, an unincorporated area of Lafourche Parish outside of Thibodaux, Louisiana. Investigators believe the individual was male, about 5'6" tall and between the ages of 26 and 36 at the time of his death. He was wearing a work shirt with inscription "WPL9678" and jeans with a 31" waist. Investigators believe the man died one week to six months before his remains were found. His dental records show he had amalgam fillings in several teeth and had lost a large portion of a tooth, which occurred postmortem.

The LSU Forensic Anthropology and Computer Enhancement Services (FACES) Laboratory created a forensic sketch depicting how the man may have looked during his life, which was released to the public. Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP2210. Despite investigators work to identify the individual, his identity remains a decades old mystery.

Now, the Lafourche Parish Coroner's Office has partnered with Othram to determine if advanced DNA testing can help identify the man. Othram scientists will work to develop a suitable DNA extract that can be used with Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to develop a comprehensive DNA profile to be used in records research and forensic genetic genealogy. Othram's in-house forensic genetic genealogy team will perform records research and use genetic genealogy to develop new leads in the case.

A DNASolves crowdfund has been created to raise funds for the casework costs. Your support can make a difference in identifying this individual and reconnecting him with his family. Please consider donating to the DNASolves fund to help cover the costs of advanced DNA testing. Additionally, if you have taken a consumer DNA test, you can contribute by opting into forensic genetic genealogy matching to assist in solving this case and others like it.

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Dan Miller

Dan Miller

Director of Customer Service

832-906-4247
2829 Technology Forest Blvd Suite 100, The Woodlands, Texas 77381
media@othram.com

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.

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About Othram Inc.

Othram is the world’s first private DNA laboratory built specifically to apply the power of modern parallel sequencing to forensic evidence. Othram’s scientists are experts at ... Read morerecovery, enrichment, and analysis of human DNA from trace quantities of degraded or contaminated materials. Founded in 2018, and located in The Woodlands, Texas, our team works with academic researchers, forensic scientists, medical examiners, and law enforcement agencies to achieve results when other approaches have failed. Follow Othram on Twitter @OthramTech or visit Othram.com to learn how we can help you with your case. With dnasolves.com anyone can make a difference and help solve the next cold case.