Summary

In April 2016, the skeletal remains of an unidentified individual were found by surveyors in a heavily-wooded area on the north side of a highway in Ocoee, a city near Orlando in Orange County, Florida. There were known transient camps in the vicinity, but not the specific location where the remains were found. Several law enforcement agencies responded to the scene, including the Oconee Police Department.

Investigators searched the area and, along with the remains, they found pants and an extremely degraded possible quilted-type jacket. The pants appeared to be tan in color, with a brand label of "Haband FIT-FOREVER" on the waist. Near the remains, they found a yellow metal "Pulsar" wrist watch. Investigators determined that the individual was likely a Black man, who stood about 5'4" and was probably between 40 to 60 years old. It was determined that the remains had been there two to three years.

Despite a lengthy investigation, the man could not be identified and he became known as Oconee John Doe (2016). Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP16742.

In 2023, the Ocoee Police Department and the Districts 9 and 25 Medical Examiners Office submitted forensic evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas to determine if advanced DNA testing could help identify the man. Othram scientists successfully developed a DNA extract from the provided evidence and then used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile for the unknown man. Othram's in-house 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 a potential family member of the unknown man. A reference DNA sample was collected from the family member and compared to the DNA profile of the unidentified man. This investigation led to the positive identification of Oconee John Doe, who is now known to be Lloyd Williams, born in May of 1923.

Williams was 89 years old when he was reported missing in 2013 after his neighbors found the back door open to his home when they went to check on him. At the time that Lloyd Williams was reported missing, his son confirmed to authorities that his home appeared to have been ransacked. Investigators said the cause of death has been listed as suspicious and the investigation continues.

Individuals who have taken a consumer DNA test can aid ongoing forensic investigations by joining the DNASolves database. Expanding the pool of available DNA data increases the likelihood of successful identifications, helping to reunite families with their missing loved ones and resolve cases that have remained unanswered for years.

The identification of Lloyd Williams represents the 44th case in the State of Florida where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram. Visit DNASolves to learn about other Florida cases where your support can help bring long-awaited answers to families.