Summary
In June 1982, an unidentified male was found deceased at the bottom of an elevator shaft inside the Atlantic Bank building, which was under construction at 20 N. Orange Avenue in Orlando, Florida. A construction worker had entered the building to retrieve equipment when he made the discovery and notified law enforcement. The Orlando Police Department responded and began collecting evidence and investigating. Investigators determined the man was a white male who could not be identified. Officials later stated there were no apparent signs of foul play, and the cause of death was listed as undetermined.
Investigators determined that the man was stopped by police in October 1981 and June 1982. At the time, the man identified himself as Adam Kadmon, claimed to be homeless, and told police he recently moved to Orlando from Melbourne Beach, Florida.
Despite a lengthy investigation, the man could not be identified and became known as Elevator Shaft John Doe (1982). Prior to his death, he had reportedly used the name "Adam Kadmon" during contacts with police. Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP612.
In 2023, detectives with the Orlando Police Department Cold Case Unit, working with the Districts 9 and 25 Medical Examiners Office, submitted evidence to Othram's laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas. At Othram, scientists worked to develop a DNA extract from the provided remains, then used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile for the man. Othram's 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 man. Reference DNA samples were collected from potential relatives and compared to the DNA profile of the unknown man using KinSNP® Rapid Relationship Testing. This investigation led to the positive identification of the man, who is now known to be Vincent Todd Peterson. Peterson's family made many attempts to locate him after losing touch with him.
This is the 64th publicly announced case in the State of Florida where 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.