Summary

In February 2023, the skeletal remains of an unidentified individual were found in a tree line adjacent to the Veterans Administration Center in Taney County's Branson, Missouri. Investigators found clothing including blue shorts, a discolored shirt, red Crocs shoes, and a safari hat. Eyeglasses, toiletry items, a glucose meter, and an insulin pen were also found alongside the remains. The Taney County Coroner's Office determined that the remains were likely a White man between the ages of 45 and 60 years old who was 5'5" to 5'9" tall.

Officials conducted an extensive investigation into the man's identity, including publishing an artist's rendition of what the man may have looked like when he was alive. Despite investigator's efforts, the man could not be identified and he became known as Taney County John Doe (2023). Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP134364 in December 2024. A composite sketch was developed and released to the public in hopes that it would assist in generated new leads in the case.

Working with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Taney County Coroner’s Office submitted forensic evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas to determine if advanced DNA testing could help identify the man. 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 man. 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 man. Reference DNA samples were collected from a relative and compared to the DNA profile of the unidentified man. This investigation led to the positive identification of the man, who is now known to be Robert Michael LaFaire, born June 30, 1964. Robert LaFaire's family has been notified of his identification.

The casework cost associated with this case were funded by legislation sponsored by State Representative Tricia Byrnes of Wentzville. In 2024, Rep. Byrnes secured $1.5 million in state funding to support the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s efforts to identify unidentified human remains through forensic genetic genealogy.

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 Robert LaFaire, represents the 22nd case in the State of Missouri where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram. Visit DNASolves to learn about other Missouri cases where your support can help bring long-awaited answers to families.