Summary
On January 4, 2023, the skeletal remains of an unidentified individual were found in a wooded lot in the 100 block of Cedar Creek Cutoff Road in Palatka, Florida. The Putnam County Sheriff's Office responded and began investigating and collecting evidence. About 100 feet from the roadway, they found a nylon rope and an electrical cord tied to a tree branch with hair attached to the rope. A skull and mandible were located underneath the rope on the ground. Other human remains were scattered throughout the lot. They found white tennis shoes nearby. They noted that a neighbor had reported a foul smell about seven months earlier. It was determined that the remains were likely a White or Hispanic woman who stood 4' 9" to 5' 7" tall and was 40 to 69 years old.
Despite a lengthy investigation, the woman could not be identified and became known as Putnam County Jane Doe (2023). Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP108580 on September 19, 2023.
In March 2025, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office and District 23 Medical Examiner's Office submitted forensic evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas to determine if advanced DNA testing could help identify the woman. 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 woman. 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 woman. Reference DNA samples were collected from a relative and compared to the DNA profile of the unidentified woman. This investigation led to the positive identification of the woman, who is now known to be Lea Kennedy Sayre, who was 52 when she died. Foul play is not suspected in her case.
"A family now has closure and can now mourn and grieve their loss without having to stress and wonder what happened," said Putnam County Sheriff H.D. 'Gator' DeLoach. "We are grateful for the state providing this grant which allows us and other small counties to ability to have access to this cutting-edge technology provided by Othram. While it still takes time, the results have allowed us to bring relief to families caught in a world of not knowing what became of their family member." Funding provided to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for the use of Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy in UHR cases as part of Senate Bill 678 was awarded to Putnam County Sheriff's Office, allowing this case to be solved.
Individuals who have taken a consumer DNA test can aid ongoing forensic investigations by joining the DNASolves database. Expanding the pool of available DNA data increases the likelihood of successful identifications, helping to reunite families with their missing loved ones and resolve cases that have remained unsolved for years.
The identification of Lea Sayre represents the 46th case in the State of Florida where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram. Visit DNASolves to learn about other Florida 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.