Summary
On July 2, 1988, the remains of an unidentified man were discovered in the Yamhill River near Dayton, Oregon. The body was found south of the Dayton Boat Landing in a decomposed state after having been submerged in the water.
Investigators estimated the man to be between 50 and 70 years old. He was described as an older white male with gray or partially gray hair, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing about 190 pounds. Authorities determined that he had been restrained with ligatures and weighted down with heavy objects before being deposited in the river. His death was ruled a homicide.
While investigators developed information during the initial years of the investigation that provided some indication of the victim's possible identity, as well as information regarding who may have been responsible for his death, the man's identification could not be confirmed. The case eventually went cold, and the victim remained unidentified for more than three decades. The case was entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP10882.
In 2025, investigators with the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office, working with the Oregon State Police Medical Examiner Division, submitted evidence from the case to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas, for advanced DNA testing.
Othram scientists used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to develop a comprehensive SNP profile from the evidence. Othram's in-house forensic genetic genealogy team then used the profile to conduct a genetic genealogy search, developing investigative leads that were provided to law enforcement.
Using these leads, Yamhill County Sheriff's Office investigators conducted a follow-up investigation that resulted in the identification of the victim as George Griffin, born June 11, 1931. A familial reference sample from a proposed daughter was obtained and used as part of the investigation. Genetic evidence, combined with genealogical research, supported and confirmed Mr. Griffin's identification.
This is the 5th publicly announced case in the State of Oregon where officials leveraged Othram's identity inference pipeline. Learn more by visiting Othram's website.
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.