Summary
In February 1998, skeletal remains of two children were found inside of a cardboard box in Norcross, Georgia at the intersection of Buford Highway and Weaver Way. The box was marked "Attention Police, My bones were legally exhumed from South Georgia, please return them to their proper repose." Additionally, casket hardware was found with the remains; research suggests that this hardware originates from the early 1900s to 1940s which is consistent with the suspected age of the remains. The skeletal remains of the individual were identified by forensic anthropologists and include a cranium, partial mandible, five right ribs, and five left ribs. These remains are believed to belong to a pre-teen or teen-aged individual. The child's estimated year of death, race, ethnicity, and sex could not be determined. Unfortunately, even with the unusual circumstances surrounding the discovery of this individual's remains, little more is known about this individual.
In April 2022, the Gwinnett County Medical Examiner's Office entered the case into NamUs as UP90199. Despite efforts to identify the unknown child and its companion, investigators have been unable to do so.
In 2023, the Gwinnett County Medical Examiner's Office partnered with Othram, Inc. to leverage advanced forensic DNA testing and genetic genealogy to help establish the child's identity. Anyone with information that could aid in this investigation is encouraged to contact the Gwinnett County Office Medical Examiner's Office at 678-442-3160 and reference agency case 98G-0135 or NamUs ID #UP90199.
A DNASolves crowdfund has been created to raise funds for the remaining casework costs. Anyone can contribute here.
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.