Summary

The remains of an unknown man were found on West Falls Street in Spokane, Washington in June of 1995. The man’s body was found entangled in tree branches on the bank of the Spokane River. Investigators determined that the man was likely between 18 and 35 years old, and he stood 5’11” tall, weighing approximately 161 pounds. The white male had dark brown or possibly black hair, and was fully clothed at the time that his remains were found. The man's cause of death was determined to be drowning.

Investigators worked to identify the John Doe using traditional forensic methods. With no match to a known individual, details of the case were entered into NamUs as UP458. For decades there were no answers about the man’s identity. In 2022, the Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office once teamed with Othram to determine if advanced DNA testing could help identify the John Doe.

Forensic evidence was submitted to Othram’s laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas where DNA was extracted. Using Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing®, an ultra-sensitive comprehensive DNA profile was developed for the unknown man. The DNA profile was then submitted for forensic matching allowing Othram’s forensic genetic genealogy team to develop new investigative leads in the case.

These leads were provided to law enforcement, who launched a follow-up investigation leading to the identification of the man, ending a nearly thirty-year mystery, providing investigators and the man’s family with answers at last. The man's name will not be released at this time, at the request of his family.

This identification marks the 38th publicly announced case in Washington where authorities used technology developed by Othram to assist in identifying an individual.