Summary
In May 2024, the remains of an unidentified individual were discovered in Flowood, Mississippi. Flowood, a suburb of Jackson, is located in Rankin County. The discovery was made by teenagers fishing in a pond off Mangum Road. Investigators responded to the scene and located additional remains. It was determined that the remains were that of an adult white male whose age could not be determined. The man’s height was estimated to be between 5’5” and 6’0”. No other identifying characteristics could be determined.
The man’s identity was not determined and he was classified as Rankin County John Doe. Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP124894. Investigators with the Flowood Police Department worked in collaboration with officials from the Rankin County Coroner's Office and Mississippi State Medical Examiner's Office with Othram in hopes that advanced DNA testing could help to identify the man.
Forensic evidence was submitted to Othram’s laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas where scientists successfully developed a DNA extract and then used Forensic Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile for the unknown man. Othram’s forensic genetic genealogy team then used the profile in a genealogy search which resulted in new leads about the man’s identity. These leads were provided to investigators who launched a follow-up investigation. The casework completed at Othram was funded by the Roads to Justice (RTJ) program; we are grateful for the funding support in this case and previous cases.
The follow-up investigation led investigators to potential relatives of the man. A reference DNA sample was collected from a possible relative and compared to the DNA profile of the unknown man using KinSNP® rapid relationship testing. This investigation led to the positive identification of the Rankin County John Doe, who is now known to be Stephen Jason Rosa, who was born in July of 1970.
The identification of Stephen Jason Rosa represents the 36th publicly-announced case that was solved in the State of Mississippi using technology developed by Othram. To learn about other cases in Mississippi, visit DNASolves.
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.