Summary
In August 2020, the remains of an unidentified individual were discovered in a heavily wooded area in Dallas, Texas. The Dallas Police Department responded to the scene. It was determined that the remains were that of a black female. The woman had short, curly black hair, wore a single stud nose piercing, and her toe nails were painted metallic green nail polish. The woman's remains were transported to the Dallas County Office of the Medical Examiner for examination. The woman was estimated to be between the ages of 20 and 27, and she stood 5’2” tall. Due to the condition of her remains, no other identifying characteristics could be determined.
In September 2020, details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP73574. A forensic sketch depicting how the woman may have looked during her life was developed and released to the public. Despite law enforcement investigators' extensive efforts to identify the woman, no matches were found, and her identity was a mystery.
In 2023, the Dallas Police Department worked with the Dallas County Office of the Medical Examiner to submit forensic evidence to Othram's laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas. In an effort to use advanced DNA testing to identify the woman, Othram scientists successfully developed a DNA extract from the evidence and then used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile for the woman. Othram's in-house forensic genetic genealogy team used the profile in a genetic genealogy search to develop new investigative leads that were returned to law enforcement. Funding for the advanced DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy used in this case was provided by the Woodforest Charitable Foundation.
Using this new information, a follow-up investigation was conducted leading investigators to potential relatives of the woman. A reference DNA sample was collected from a relative and compared to the DNA profile of the unidentified woman. The woman is now known to be 19-year-old Tyesha Smith, who was missing since 2020.
The identification of Tyesha Smith represents the 17th case in the State of Texas where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram. To learn more about other Texas cases, 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.