Summary

In October 2024, a fisherman found the remains of an unidentified person floating in Walnut Creek, on the north side of the Millcreek Mall in Erie County, Pennsylvania's Millcreek Township. Millcreek Township is located on Lake Erie, between Cleveland, Ohio and Buffalo, New York. The Millcreek Township Police Department responded and began investigating. The body was found without clothes and was badly decomposed. A forensic pathologist performed an autopsy and identified the body as that of a female who was 5'8" tall and likely less than 50 years old.

The woman showed no signs of trauma. The pathologist estimated death occurred 4 to 6 months before the body was found. After the autopsy, the woman's body was sent to the Department of Applied Forensic Sciences at Mercyhurst University for additional examination. Despite an extensive investigation, the woman could not be identified and there were no matches with missing persons within 200 miles.

Recently, the Millcreek Township Police Department 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 unidentified 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 using KinSNP® Rapid Relationship Testing. This investigation led to the positive identification of the woman, who is now known to be Rebecca Hakes, who was born July 13, 1973. Hakes lived in Olean, New York. According to the Olean Police Department, she was reported missing by relatives in the third quarter of 2024.

Othram is grateful to Senator Dan Laughlin and the Pennsylvania Senate Republican Caucus for their support of funding, which covered Othram's casework cost and led to Rebecca Hakes's identification.

The identification of Rebecca Hakes represents the 12th case in the State of Pennsylvania where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram. Visit DNASolves to learn about other Pennsylvania cases where your support can help bring long-awaited answers to families.