Summary
On March 11, 1992, the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office was notified that human remains had been discovered in a shallow grave off Interstate 40 near Lake Havasu City, Arizona. The remains were found in a wash near Needles Mountain Road. Responding deputies determined that animals had partially uncovered the remains of an adult man.
Due to the condition of the remains, investigators were unable to determine the man’s cause of death. However, the circumstances surrounding the discovery led investigators to classify his death as a homicide.
Initial efforts to identify the man were unsuccessful. His fingerprints were searched against local and national databases, but no match was found. During the autopsy, X-rays revealed a metal pin extending from the man’s right knee to his ankle. Investigators traced the pin’s brand and serial number through its manufacturer, but the information did not lead to his identity.
Despite continued investigative efforts, the man remained unidentified for more than three decades. Details of the case were entered into NamUs as UP15671.
In March of 2026, as part of a renewed investigation, Othram received a DNA extract developed from forensic evidence in the case. Othram scientists used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to develop a comprehensive single nucleotide polymorphism profile for the unidentified man. The resulting SNP profile was provided to law enforcement.
The FBI conducted a forensic genetic genealogy search using the profile developed by Othram. The search generated new investigative leads and connected the unidentified man to a relative who reported that Willie Blanton Mills had been missing since 1992.
On October 21, 2026, Mohave County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit investigators received confirmation from the FBI that the man had been positively identified as Mills, who was born on April 4, 1955. The FBI Latent Print Unit further confirmed his identity through fingerprint analysis. Investigators also learned that Mills had received a metal pin in his right leg following an accident.
Mills was originally from Pennsylvania and was living with relatives in Santa Ana, California, when he disappeared. His cause of death and the circumstances that led to his burial in Mohave County remain unknown.
Investigators are seeking information about Mills’ activities and whereabouts during or around 1992. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office at 928-753-0753, extension 4408, and reference case number 92-03547.
Othram’s casework costs were paid by NamUs, a national program that assists the criminal justice community with the investigation and resolution of missing, unidentified, and unclaimed persons cases across the United States and its territories. NamUs is funded and administered by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and is managed through a contract with Research Triangle Institute International. Othram is grateful for the support of RTI, NamUs, and the NIJ.
This is the 20th publicly announced case in Arizona in which 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.