Summary
On December 7, 2022, a utility worker discovered an assemblage of skeletal remains in a wooded area near 107 S. Sweet Home Church Road in Pearl, Mississippi. The remains were partially skeletonized, with the lower body still intact and clothed, while the upper body was scattered. It was determined that the remains were that of an adult male, whose height and weight could not be determined. Traditional forensic methods were unable to confirm the man’s identity. Despite investigative efforts, no definitive identification could be made, and the case remained unresolved. Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP124875.
In 2024, in an effort to conclusively determine the identity of the remains, the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office and Rankin County Coroner’s Office teamed with Othram to employ advanced forensic DNA testing. Using Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing®, Othram’s scientists developed a comprehensive DNA profile suitable for forensic genetic genealogy analysis. Leveraging genealogical databases, Othram’s in-house forensic genetic genealogy team was able to generate investigative leads, which were returned to law enforcement for further inquiry. Investigators then conducted a follow-up investigation to confirm the man’s identity.
Without access to a close family member, such as a parent, child, or sibling, investigators turned to KinSNP® Rapid Relationship Testing to evaluate a an uncle/nephew relationship. This additional layer of testing provided the necessary confirmation, ultimately leading to the identification of Robert Dale Hawthorne.
The casework was funded as part of the Roads to Justice (RTJ) funding program, which supports forensic genetic genealogy investigations for unidentified persons and crime victims. Those interested in supporting the application of forensic genetic genealogy in unidentified person cases can contribute directly to DNASolves and individuals who have taken a consumer DNA test can aid ongoing forensic investigations by joining the DNASolves database.
The identification of Robert Dale Hawthorne represents the 37th case in the State of Mississippi where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram.
Michael Vogen
Director of Case Management
Michael works with law enforcement agencies throughout the United States and Canada on “unsolvable“ cases that can benefit from advanced DNA testing methods. He helps these agencies use cutting edge DNA sequencing and new forensic techniques to develop investigative leads for their cases.