Summary

In October 2021, a skull with the mandible and other bone fragments was found in a desert area, about one mile from US Hwy 60 and one mile from the Arizona Renaissance Festival property in Gold Canyon, Arizona, on the eastern outskirt of Phoenix. Investigators determined that the remains were that of an adult male over the age of 40. It was estimated that the man died anywhere from six months to three years prior to the discovery of this remains. Due to the limited skeletal remains recovered, investigators were unable to estimate the individual’s height or weight. A t-shirt and a shoe were also recovered alongside the man's skeletal remains.

Despite extensive investigative efforts, this individual is still unidentified. His case was entered into NamUs as UP85421. Despite extensive efforts, investigators have not been able to determine the man's identity.

In 2024, the Pinal County Medical Examiner's Office sent skeletal remains to Othram in hopes that advanced forensic DNA testing could generate new leads. Othram’s scientists will extract DNA from the forensic evidence and use Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile suitable for forensic genetic genealogical research. A DNASolves crowdfunding campaign has been launched to cover the costs of this specialized testing and analysis.

Your support can make a difference in identifying this individual and reconnecting him with his family. Please consider donating to the DNASolves crowdfund to help cover the costs of advanced DNA testing. Additionally, if you have taken a consumer DNA test, you can contribute by opting into forensic genetic genealogy matching to assist in solving this case and others like it.