Summary
In February 2024, the skeletal remains of an unknown individual were found in in Gold Canyon, Arizona. The remains, including the skull, were in a desert area about one mile from US Hwy 60 and one mile from the Arizona Renaissance Festival property on the eastern outskirts of Phoenix. Investigators determined that the remains were that of an adult male between the ages of 20 and 65 whose ancestry was estimated as either Hispanic/Latino or Native American.
It was estimated that the man died anywhere from 2022 to 2023. Due to the limited skeletal remains recovered, investigators were unable to estimate the individual’s height or weight. Despite extensive investigative efforts, the man is still unidentified and the case was entered into NamUs as UP116077.
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.
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.