Summary
In May 1995, a human jaw bone was found on the beach at Damon Point in Ocean Shores, Washington. Ocean Shores is a city in Grays Harbor County, located west of Seattle. The Ocean Shores Police Department and the Grays Harbor County Coroner's Office responded to collect evidence and investigate. It was determined that the jaw bone had washed ashore and there was no way to identify the person, whose sex and ancestry were unknown.
Despite a lengthy investigation, the case went cold and the person became known as Ocean Shores Doe (1995). Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP13642.
In April 2025, the Grays Harbor County Coroner's Office and the King County Medical Examiner submitted forensic evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas to determine if advanced DNA testing could help identify the person. Othram scientists successfully developed a DNA extract from the provided evidence and then used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile for the person. Othram's in-house forensic genetic genealogy team used the profile in a genetic genealogy search to develop new investigative leads that were returned to law enforcement.
Using this new information, a follow-up investigation was conducted leading investigators to potential relatives of the person. Reference DNA samples were collected from a relative and compared to the DNA profile of the unidentified person. This investigation led to the positive identification of the person, who is now known to be Bruce Joel Andrews born on December 16, 1948. Bruce Andrews went missing while fishing at the Westport Jetty on July 30, 1974. He was 25 years old.
Critical funding to enable forensic genetic genealogy testing in this case was made possible by Governor Ferguson, Attorney General Nick Brown, and the Washington State Legislature. We are grateful for their support in providing this funding.
The identification of Bruce Andrews represents the 44th case in the State of Washington where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram. Visit DNASolves to learn about other Washington cases where your support can help bring long-awaited answers to families.
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.