In August 2022, the remains of an unidentified individual were discovered in a wooded North Knoxville area near Fourth and Gill, a historic district in Knoxville, Tennessee. A thorough search of the surrounding area was conducted and found the individual's black Carhartt baseball cap, a black Degree by Reflex tank-top, black Forever 21 leggings, a gray No Boundaries bra, pink Athletic Works sneakers and a pair of black circle frame sunglasses.The remains were sent to the Knox County Regional Forensic Center, where forensic experts determined that the individual was a white woman between 30 and 50 years old, estimated to be between 4'10" and 5'5" tall with strawberry blonde hair. She also had a scar on her abdomen and lower back. The details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP95334. Despite extensive efforts by law enforcement investigators to identify the woman, no matches were found, and the case went cold due to a lack of investigative leads.
In 2023, the Knox County Regional Forensic Center submitted forensic evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas to determine if advanced DNA testing could help identify the woman. Othram scientists successfully developed a DNA extract from the forensic evidence and then used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile for the unknown woman. Othram’s in-house forensic genetic genealogy team then used this profile to conduct genetic genealogy research. During the course of this research, personnel from the Knox County Regional Forensic Center were able to utilize NamUs Missing Persons records and the investigation ultimately led to the identity of Erin C. Callahan. She was last seen on June 1, 2022 and was 47 years old.
This identification of Erin Callahan represents the 21st case where Tennessee officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram. For more Tennessee case, please see the map at DNASolves.
