The Alberta RCMP and OCME Partner with Othram to Identify Septic Tank Sam

The unknown homicide victim, now known to be Gordon Edwin Sanderson of Edmonton, was unidentified for over 40 years
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Published June 30 by Michael Vogen
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Summary

In April of 1977, a couple discovered the remains of an unknown man while retrieving a septic tank pump at their farm near Lindbrook, Alberta. Investigators determined that the man, nicknamed Septic Tank Sam due to the circumstances of discovery, had been brutally tortured before his murder. A lengthy investigation was launched to pursue all leads that might help shed light on the man’s identity, a crucial step to efforts to seek answers and justice.

Persistent collaborative efforts by the Alberta RCMP Missing Person Unit, the Historical Homicide Unit, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) to identify the victim and the circumstances of his death have spanned over 40 years. During this time, various RCMP investigators interviewed potential witnesses and tracked down leads, tenaciously employing novel technologies and methods as they emerged. OCME medical examiners worked with forensic anthropologists to develop biological profiles and with forensic dentists to compare dental records to reported missing persons. Forensic facial reconstructions were utilized as well to try and generate leads from those that might recognize the victim.

In October 2017, the Alberta RCMP Missing Person Unit announced the launch of a National DNA program focusing on the identification of unidentified remains. The program allows investigators to obtain DNA from people who have a missing family member for potential match against unidentified human remains on the DNA index. It was hoped that this new program would provide some answers in this case. In 2019, the RCMP sent a partial DNA profile from the victim’s remains that had been developed in 2012 to be compared to this new DNA database, without success.

With all leads exhausted, in 2020 the Alberta RCMP Missing Person Unit and the OCME teamed up with Othram to attempt to generate investigative leads with advanced DNA testing. Othram applied Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to develop a comprehensive genealogical profile for the victim. Although the DNA was degraded and previously yielded a partial profile, the Othram team was able to develop a complete profile that was suitable for genealogical research. The Othram genealogy team developed investigative leads that RCMP investigators used to identify the potential immediate family members of the victim.

The investigation continued with the Alberta RCMP Missing Person Unit obtaining familial DNA samples that were then sent for confirmatory DNA testing. This secondary testing confirmed the familial relationships, and the investigators are now able to identify the homicide victim as Gordon Edwin Sanderson of Edmonton. Sanderson would have been approximately 25 years old at the time of his death.

The Alberta RCMP Missing Person Unit is now seeking anyone who knew Gordon Sanderson and might have information about his final days before his murder. If you are able to provide information on this case, please contact the Tofield RCMP at 780-662-3353.

April 1977
Septic Tank Sam is found
October 2017
National DNA Program launched
2019
Sam’s profile fails to match National database
2020
RCMP and OCME partner with Othram
June 2021
Gordon Sanderson is identfied
April 1977
Septic Tank Sam is found
October 2017
National DNA Program launched
2019
Sam’s profile fails to match National database
2020
RCMP and OCME partner with Othram
June 2021
Gordon Sanderson is identfied
Help fund another case Your contributions pay for lab supplies and research tools

Michael Vogen

Michael Vogen

Director of Case Management

2829 Technology Forest Blvd Suite 100, The Woodlands, Texas 77381
media@othram.com

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.

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About Othram Inc.

Othram is the world’s first private DNA laboratory built specifically to apply the power of modern parallel sequencing to forensic evidence. Othram’s scientists are experts at ... Read morerecovery, enrichment, and analysis of human DNA from trace quantities of degraded or contaminated materials. Founded in 2018, and located in The Woodlands, Texas, our team works with academic researchers, forensic scientists, medical examiners, and law enforcement agencies to achieve results when other approaches have failed. Follow Othram on Twitter @OthramTech or visit Othram.com to learn how we can help you with your case. With dnasolves.com anyone can make a difference and help solve the next cold case.