Summary
In December 2010, the skeletal remains of an unidentified individual were found in Conyers, Georgia near a house that had been vacant for two years. Investigators arrived at the scene and discovered directly above the remains was a hose tied into a noose and beside it was a chair on its side, leading investigators to believe that no foul play was involved. The medical examiner estimated that the remains were that of a male between 15 and 27 years old at the time of death. It was estimated that the man was approximately 5’ 6" in height. No other identifying information for the remains was available.
With limited information available, the man’s identity remains a mystery and the case went cold despite investigators’ attempts to identify him. The man became known as Rockdale County John Doe (2010). In 2011, details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP8689.
In 2023, the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office submitted forensic evidence to Othram's laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas, and Othram scientists will work to develop a suitable DNA extract from the remains. This DNA extract will be used in Forensic Grade Genome Sequencing® to produce a comprehensive DNA profile for the man. Othram's in-house forensic genetic genealogy team will perform records research and use genetic genealogy to develop new leads in the case. A DNASolves crowdfund has been created to raise funds for the casework costs. Anyone can contribute here.
If you have information that could assist in this investigation, contact the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office by calling +1 770-855-7429 and referencing agency case 2010-1024010.
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.