Summary

On June 28, 1999, the decomposed remains of an unidentified individual were found in the basement of an abandoned home on North Avenue in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office responded and began collecting evidence and investigating. The remains were determined to be those of a Black female, estimated to be between 18 and 35 years old. Because of the condition of the remains, there was no way to identify the individual at the time.

Despite investigative efforts, the woman could not be identified and became known as Wilkinsburg Jane Doe (1999). Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP2670.

Recently, the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office submitted forensic evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas to determine if advanced DNA testing could help identify the person. Othram scientists successfully developed a DNA extract from the provided evidence and then used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile for the person. 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.

Using this new information, a follow-up investigation was conducted leading investigators to potential relatives of the person. This investigation led to the positive identification of the person, who is now known to be Genelle Princess Bradford. Bradford was 18 years old. Authorities announced that the focus of the investigation now shifts toward seeking justice in her homicide, and they have not yet identified a suspect.

This is the 15th publicly announced case in the State of Pennsylvania where officials leveraged Othram's identity inference pipeline. Learn more at Othram.com.