Summary
In March 2023, the remains of an unknown individual were discovered in Salinas, California. The Hispanic/Latino man had been living in a tent among a community of people similarly residing in temporary shelters. Although people in the area referred to him as Luis Jimenez, no one knew his true name or date of birth. Investigators tried to identify the man by through fingerprints, DMV records and jail records, but no positive identification could be made. Despite an extensive investigation, the man's identity is a mystery. Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP131069.
In 2025, the Monterey County Sheriff-Coroner's Office assisted by the California DOJ Bureau of Forensic Services, teamed with Othram in The Woodlands, Texas to determine if advanced DNA testing could help identify the man.
Othram scientists will develop a DNA extract from the forensic evidence and use Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile that can be used for forensic genetic genealogy analysis. Othram’s in-house forensic genetic genealogy team will then use this profile to conduct extensive genetic genealogy research, ultimately providing new investigative leads to law enforcement to identify the man.
A DNASolves® crowdfund has been established to cover the costs associated with this case, including lab supplies and research tools.
For further information or assistance, please contact the Monterey County Sheriff-Coroner's Office. The point of contact is Jeffrey Squires, who can be reached at 831-755-3722.
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.