Summary
In January 2001, the remains of an unknown individual were discovered in Gary, Indiana. Gary is located in Lake County on the southern shore of Lake Michigan. Investigators responded to the scene and determined that the remains were that of a Black male who was 20 to 29 years old with black hair and brown eyes. The man weighed approximately 157 pounds and stood 5’7” tall. An autopsy was conducted where several identifying characteristics were noted, including a bump described as either a cyst or a birthmark near the right elbow along with a tattoo on the left shoulder, believed to be the letter "R". It was determined that the man’s manner of death was homicide. The man could not be identified and he became known as Lake County John Doe.
At the time that his body was discovered, the man was carrying an identification card for the Arizona Boys Ranch, a now-closed boot-camp boarding school that once served 13 to 18 year old boys. The ID card belonged to another individual and it is unknown if Lake County John Doe had any connections to the Arizona Boys Ranch. At the time that his body was discovered, the man was fully-dressed, wearing a reversible jacket with the word “Chicago” on one side and the word “New York” on the other side, a black mesh shirt with a red tank top, size 32x32 blue jeans, and black Sketchers tennis shoes with white socks. Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP13482. Despite investigators’ efforts to name the man, his identity has been a mystery for more than two decades.
In late 2024, the Gary Police Department and Indiana's Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force teamed with Othram to determine if advanced DNA testing could help to identify Lake County John Doe. Othram scientists will work to develop a suitable DNA extract so that a comprehensive DNA profile can be developed for the man using Forensic Grade Genome Sequencing®. Othram's in-house forensic genetic genealogy team will use this profile in a genetic genealogy search to develop new leads in the case.
Anyone with information that could assist in identifying the individual is encouraged to contact Investigator Nicholas Wardrip at 219-900-4388 or email at ntwardrip@lakepros.org. A DNASolves® crowdfund has been established to cover the casework costs. Anyone can contribute here.
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.