FL FL- Washed along New Smyrna Beach, Volusia County John Doe, #UP1521, mandible, 24 Sep; 2007, DNA- Robert Martin, 2025.

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Volusia County John Doe (2007) is now Identified

Volusia County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Team with Othram to Identify a 2007 John Doe

dnasolves.com

''On September 24, 2007, human remains were discovered washed ashore along the beach in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Authorities responded to the Volusia County beach and collected a human mandible. An initial investigation concluded that the mandible likely belonged to an adult male whose identity could not be determined. Investigators detected that the remains were subjected to trauma leading them to suspect that the man’s death may have been due to homicide. The case was entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP1521, and traditional investigative methods yielded no identification.

In February 2025, with funding provided by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) through its Missing and Unidentified Human Remains (MUHR) grant, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office submitted forensic evidence to Othram, a forensic laboratory specializing in human identification from degraded or limited DNA samples. Othram scientists used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile from the evidence.

This profile was then delivered to FDLE’s in-house forensic genetic genealogy team, which conducted genealogical research to identify possible relatives of the man. The team’s forensic search led to new investigative leads that ultimately resulted in the positive identification of Robert Martin, whose death is now ruled an accident.

According to investigators, Martin had been reported missing while diving off the coast of Volusia County in 2006. At the time, it was believed that he may have drowned, but his remains were never recovered. In 2007, prior to the discovery of Martin’s unidentified remains, diving gear was located by a diver and traced to Martin. This identification provides long-awaited resolution for his family, confirming what had long been suspected.

Through coordinated efforts between the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, FDLE, and Othram, and with the support of grant funding, a previously stalled investigation was brought to conclusion nearly 18 years after the discovery of the remains.

The identification of Robert Martin is the 43rd case in the State of Florida where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram. Visit DNASolves to learn about other Florida cases, where your support can help bring long-awaited answers to families.

Help fund another caseYour contributions pay for lab supplies and research tools'

 

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Remains found in 2007 ID’d as missing diver thanks to FDLE genealogy grantRemains found in 2007 ID’d as missing diver thanks to FDLE genealogy gran

Remains found in 2007 ID’d as missing diver thanks to FDLE genealogy grant

www.volusiasheriff.gov

''In 2006, the U.S. Coast Guard responded to a distress call about 20 miles east of Ponce Inlet at a popular diving spot known as the “party grounds.” Martin was diving with two associates when he became distressed and went underwater.

The Coast Guard conducted a large-scale rescue mission but ultimately did not locate Martin.

In 2007, the Volusia Sheriff’s Office was notified by a diver that they had found some gear located at another diving spot east of Ponce Inlet. The gear was traced back to Martin through the shop it was purchased from. The same year, a woman walking on the beach in New Smyrna Beach located partial human remains and reported it to law enforcement''.

''The Volusia County Medical Examiner’s Office has reviewed the case including inspecting the dive equipment found in 2007. Martin’s death has been deemed accidental. Next of kin has been notified.''