Summary
In October 1990, the remains of an unidentified individual were found in two shallow graves near Doyle, California. The discovery was made by a resident who was exploring his property one afternoon, when he found the graves separated from each other by about 20 yards. Each grade included portions of a human body. The property was approximately 5 or 6 miles north of Doyle on Hackstaff Road, according to newspaper accounts at the time. The body had numerous chopping wounds and the body parts were wrapped in a shower curtain and black garbage bags.
The remains were sent to the Chico State Human Identification Lab where a forensic anthropologist determined that the remains likely belonged to white male who stood 5'6" to 5'9" and was between the ages of 45 and 70. They estimated the man died a year prior. The man a healed fracture of his upper right shoulder. He also suffered from severe back problems due to the fusion of a number of thoracic vertebrae.
Over the years, the investigation was revisited as advancements in forensic science were made. An STR profile was eventually developed from the man's remains and entered into CODIS. The CODIS search did not yield a match. Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP17580. Despite investigators’ attempts to identify the man, the case was cold and the man's identity remained a mystery.
The Lassen County Sheriff's Office sent the skeletal remains to Othram in hopes that advanced forensic DNA testing could generate new leads. Othram scientists will extract DNA from the forensic evidence and use Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile suitable for forensic genetic genealogical research. A DNASolves® crowdfunding campaign has been launched to cover the costs of this specialized testing and analysis.
Your support can make a difference in identifying this individual and reconnecting him with his family. Please consider donating to the DNASolves® crowdfund [https://dnasolves.com/articles/lassen-county-john-doe-1990] 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.
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.