Summary

On February 14, 2008, the body of an unidentified man was found floating in the Alafia River in Riverview, Hillsborough County, Florida. The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office investigated the case.

The man was described as a White male between 45 and 60 years old. He was approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighed 141 pounds, with white or gray hair and brown eyes. His face was recognizable when he was recovered, and all parts of his body were present. However, investigators were unable to determine his identity.

Despite continued investigative efforts, the man remained unidentified and became known as Riverview John Doe. Details of the case were entered into as NamUs UP868.

Recently, the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office, District 13, submitted forensic evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas. Othram scientists used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to develop a comprehensive single nucleotide polymorphism profile for the unidentified man.

Othram’s forensic genetic genealogy team used the SNP profile in a genetic genealogy search and developed new investigative leads, which were returned to investigators.

Using this new information, investigators conducted a follow-up investigation that led them to potential relatives of the unidentified man. The investigation resulted in his positive identification as George Hayward Coy Jr., who was born on February 19, 1962.

Funding for the advanced DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy that helped resolve this case was provided through Florida Senate Bill 678, legislation championed by Senator Jennifer Bradley to expand the use of advanced forensic DNA technology in identifying unknown individuals and advancing cold case investigations throughout Florida.

This is the 70th publicly announced case in Florida in which investigators have used Othram’s technology to identify an individual. Learn about other cases by visiting Othram’s website.