Summary
In October 2000, the skeletal remains of an unidentified individual were found in Pueblo, Colorado. The remains were located on the prairie about a mile north of the Walking Stick housing development, north of Pueblo, Colorado. A woman on horseback made the discovery after coming across a camp where a man had apparently died while reclining on a sleeping bag. Also at the camp area was a tent that had not been pitched, a second sleeping bag, several canteens and several changes of clothing. The man did not have identification on him.
Investigators estimated that the man was 6' 1" tall and weighed 150 pounds. He died approximately two months to the discovery of his remains. A few pieces of paper were found with the decedent, one contained typed telephone numbers for Spanish Peaks Mental Health Centers and another had addresses of homeless shelters in the Denver area.
An investigation was launched and a forensic composite was developed to depict how the man may have looked during his life. Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP80452. During the course of the investigation a witness told investigators that he encountered a man camping on the open range in August 2000, who stated that he was from Albuquerque, and was working his way to Denver. The man had dreadlocks in his hair that were about 4 to 6 inches long.
In 2021, Sheriff's detectives re-opened the case and began investigating. As the investigation continued, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office collaborated to submit evidence to Othram's laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas where scientists developed a comprehensive DNA profile for the man. This profile was returned to CBI for the completion of a forensic genetic genealogy search. This search led to the identification of the man as Marvin Majors, who was originally from Oklahoma. Majors lived a transient lifestyle and his family had not heard from him since 1998 or 1999.
The identification of Marvin Majors represents the 6th case in the State of Colorado where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram.
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.