Summary
In August 1999, a man was found deceased by the housekeeping staff at a motel in Reno, Nevada. The man's motel room was registered to a fictitious name. Authorities responded and began investigating. While investigators were able to rule out foul play, they were unable to identify the man, who was estimated to be between 50 to 60 years old, about 5' 5" tall, and weighed 137 pounds. The man had blue eyes, a mustache, and brown curly hair with gray roots.
Despite an extensive investigation, the man could not be identified, and he became known as Washoe County John Doe (1999). Details of the man's case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP7633 in August 2010.
In May 2025, the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office once again partnered with Othram in The Woodlands, Texas to determine if advanced DNA testing could help identify the man. Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner's Office and Othram have previously collaborated on numerous prior investigations. Othram scientists successfully developed a DNA extract from the provided evidence and used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile. Othram’s in-house forensic genetic genealogy team then performed a genealogical search using this profile, developing new investigative leads that were returned to the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office.
This investigation led to the positive identification of the man, whose name will not be released at this time. The man's family has been notified of his identification.
Individuals who have taken a consumer DNA test can aid ongoing forensic investigations by joining the DNASolves database. Expanding the pool of available DNA profiles increases the likelihood of successful identifications, helping to reunite families with their missing loved ones and resolve cases that have remained unsolved for years.
The identification of the man represents the 16th case in the State of Nevada where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram. Visit DNASolves to learn about other Nevada cases where your support can help bring long-awaited answers to families.
Dan Miller
Director of Customer Service
Dan guides law enforcement agencies across the United States and internationally through every step of the forensic process—from crime scene to courtroom. He ensures investigators have the support and resources they need to navigate advanced DNA testing and maximize the impact of forensic evidence in their cases.