Summary
In 2023, the remains of an unidentified individual were transferred to the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office so that an anthropological analysis could be developed in hopes that the individual could be identified. It was determined that the remains were that of an unknown adult male who was likely at least 55 years old at the time of his death. The anthropological assessment revealed that the individual suffered a traumatic injury at or around the time of death.
In 2024, in an effort to resolve the mystery around the identity of these remains, the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office and Mississippi Bureau of Investigation once again teamed with Othram in hopes that advanced DNA testing could help to determine the identity of the man.
In June of 2024, the Mississippi Office of the State Medical Examiner submitted evidence to Othram’s laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas. Othram scientists developed a DNA extract from the evidence so that a DNA profile could be built for the man using Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing®. Once the DNA profile was built, Othram’s in-house forensic genetic genealogy team performed genealogical and records research in order to develop new leads in the case. Funding for this case was provided by Mississippi native and philanthropist, Carla Davis.
These new leads were provided to investigators, and a follow-up investigation was conducted. With the provided information, investigators were able to identify a potential relative of the man. The DNA profile of the potential relative was compared to the unknown man's DNA profile using KinSNP® Rapid Relationship Testing. This investigation led to the identification of the man as William Meredith Seitz, Sr. William, a victim of homicide, was killed in 1985 in Choctaw, Mississippi. The circumstances around the discovery and subsequent transfer of his remains are under investigation.
The identification of William Meredith Seitz, Sr. represents the 33rd case 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.