Summary
On May 15, 1988, the decomposed remains of an unidentified man were found floating in a canal off Grass Lake on the Lykes Citrus Management property in Minneola, Florida. The Districts 5 and 24 Medical Examiners Office responded along with the Lake County Sheriff's Office and began collecting evidence and investigating. Investigators determined the man was a white male estimated to be between 50 and 70 years old and approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall. Because of the condition of the remains, the man could not be identified.
Despite investigative efforts, the man could not be identified and became known as Lake County John Doe (1988). Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP6295.
Working with the Districts 5 and 24 Medical Examiners Office, the Lake County Sheriff's Office submitted forensic evidence to Othram's laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas. At Othram, scientists worked to develop a DNA extract from the provided evidence, then used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile for the man. Othram's forensic genetic genealogy team used the profile in a genetic 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 man. This investigation led to the positive identification of the man, who is now known to be Roy Arthur Torvik, born on November 22, 1929. The Lake County Sheriff's Office maintained the case and pursued advanced DNA testing on older unidentified remains cases through its Cold Case Team.
Funding for the advanced DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy that helped resolve this case was provided through Florida Senate Bill 678, legislation championed by Senator Jennifer Bradley to expand the use of advanced forensic DNA technology in identifying unknown individuals and advancing cold case investigations throughout Florida.
This is the 65th publicly announced case in the State of Florida where investigators have used Othram's technology to identify an individual. Learn about other cases by visiting Othram's website.
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.