Summary
In June 2020, the remains of an unidentified male were recovered from the Mississippi River in St. Louis City. Investigators from the St. Louis City Office of the Medical Examiner responded to the scene. Clothing items noted on the remains at the time of recovery include socks and boxer briefs. Investigators believe the man was between 36 and 50 years old and approximately 5’ 10” to 6’ 0”’ in height at his time of death.
The man had several recognizable memorial-type tattoos on his body. In an attempt to recreate the tattoos, drawings were created and released to the public in hopes that it would generate new leads about the man’s identity. Despite the exhaustive efforts by the Medical Examiner's Office, the man’s identity has remained a mystery.
After the remains were recovered, details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP70471. Despite Investigator’s work to identify the man, his identity remains a mystery.
In 2023, the St. Louis City Office of the Medical Examiner partnered with Othram to determine if advanced DNA testing can help to determine the identity of the man. Othram scientists will work to develop a comprehensive DNA profile to be used in records research and forensic genetic genealogy. Anyone with information that could aid in the investigation is encouraged to contact the St. Louis City Office of the Medical Examiner by calling 314-622-4971 and referencing agency case number CITY-2020-1396.
A DNASolves crowdfund has been established to cover the casework costs. Anyone can contribute here.
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.