Summary
In June 2011, partial skeletal human remains were discovered in a wooded area of Sellers Park near Wilmington, Delaware. A forensic anthropological examination determined that the remains belonged to a woman believed to be between 25 and 50 years old. Investigators learned that she had long, dark brown hair that had been arranged in a single braid. She also had distinctive gold dental restorations in her front teeth.
Case details were entered into NamUs as UP8827. The New Castle County Division of Police released a forensic facial reconstruction in hopes that someone might recognize the woman. As the investigation progressed, multiple potential identities were considered and ultimately excluded. Despite their extensive efforts, investigators were unable to determine who she was and for years, the woman was unidentified.
In 2021, the New Castle County Police Department submitted evidence to Othram’s Texas laboratory where scientists worked to extract DNA from the remains. A SNP profile was then developed using Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing®. Law enforcement used this profile in a forensic genetic genealogy search, allowing investigators to eventually identify a potential family connection.
Through this investigation, investigators now know that the woman Hannah Graham Kleitz. Kleitz died in 1907 at the age of 29 from a medical illness. Kleitz's mausoleum and grave at Riverview Cemetery was desecrated in 2002. Investigators learned that remains similar to those later discovered at Sellers Park had been removed from her grave.
More than a century after her death, and 15 years after her remains were discovered in Sellers Park, Kleitz's family was able to reunite her remains and return her to her mausoleum. The identification brought an extraordinary investigation to a close and allowed Hannah to finally be returned to her rightful resting place.
This identification marks the second publicly announced case in Delaware where investigators used Othram technology to solve a case. Explore the impact of Othram’s technology here.
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.