NC NC- Charlotte, behind Walmart, in sleeping bag, John Doe, #UP58098, skeletal remains, 29 Jan.,'16, DNA- Kenneth Robert McCarthy, of NJ, born1961, 2025

[dotr]

After 9 Years, Mecklenburg County John Doe is Identified

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Leverages Othram's Forensic Sequencing Platform to Identify a 2016 John Doe

dnasolves.com

''On January 29, 2016, human skeletal remains were discovered in a wooded area near the 5800 block of University Pointe Boulevard, behind a local Walmart. The remains were found inside a sleeping bag, and evidence at the scene suggested that the man had been experiencing homelessness and had been living in the area. Due to the advanced decomposition of the remains, the cause and manner of death could not be determined, though no immediate signs of foul play were observed. The remains were transferred to the Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner’s Office. Investigators determined the remains belonged to a White man in his 30s or 40s, but conventional efforts to identify him were unsuccessful. The case was entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP58098.

In 2022, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department submitted the highly degraded skeletal remains to Othram, a forensic laboratory in Texas specializing in human identification from degraded or limited DNA evidence. Othram used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to develop a comprehensive DNA profile from the remains. Once the profile was generated, it was returned to CMPD, which then led the forensic genetic genealogy investigation to identify the unknown man.

This genealogical research led to a potential match in Kenneth Robert McCarthy, and further outreach revealed that his family had not heard from him since 2013. A DNA sample from a close relative confirmed the identification. McCarthy, born in 1961, was originally from New Jersey and had relocated to Charlotte prior to his disappearance. According to his family, he had worked in the information technology sector for several major corporations. They never gave up hope and expressed deep gratitude to the team that helped identify their loved one.

This case demonstrates the value of combining advanced forensic DNA analysis with persistent investigative work. Othram’s ability to generate a high-quality DNA profile from degraded remains, paired with CMPD’s investigative efforts, made it possible to solve a case that had previously reached a DNA dead end.

The investigation into this case is active and ongoing. As additional information develops, it will be released by the CMPD Public Affairs Division. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-8477 (TIPS) and speak directly with a detective in the Homicide Unit. Detective Hefner is the lead investigator assigned to the case. Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or by visiting the Charlotte Crime Stoppers website. For additional details, please reference report number 20160129-1841-01.''

 

[The4TierBridge]

The actual IGG research in this case was performed by Ramapo College. They had published some information about him having Irish lineage earlier this year during the Crime Con event.
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“[November 11, 2025] Ramapo College IGG Center and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) announce that the unidentified man previously known as “Charlotte Walmart John Doe” has been identified as Kenneth Robert McCarthy, formerly of New Jersey.

The partial skeletal remains of Charlotte Walmart John Doe were found in a sleeping bag behind a Wal Mart in Charlotte, North Carolina on January 29, 2016. It was believed that this individual was unhoused and had been living in the woods where his remains were discovered.

In 2022, the man’s skeletal remains were sent to Othram laboratory in Texas for advanced DNA testing and a genotype profile was successfully developed. In 2025, CMPD partnered with the Ramapo College IGG Center to perform research in this case and students in the Investigative Genetic Genealogy Certificate Program initially worked the case alongside CMPD investigators. Upon conclusion of the program, a small team of volunteers contributed hundreds of hours of research to bring the case to a conclusion.

Mr. McCarthy, who would have been around 52 years old at the time of his death, was loved and dearly missed by his family who had never stopped searching for him.

More information about this identification can be found in the CMPD’s press release here.”

 

[othram]

The actual IGG research in this case was performed by Ramapo College. They had published some information about him having Irish lineage earlier this year during the Crime Con event.
-
-
“[November 11, 2025] Ramapo College IGG Center and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) announce that the unidentified man previously known as “Charlotte Walmart John Doe” has been identified as Kenneth Robert McCarthy, formerly of New Jersey.

The partial skeletal remains of Charlotte Walmart John Doe were found in a sleeping bag behind a Wal Mart in Charlotte, North Carolina on January 29, 2016. It was believed that this individual was unhoused and had been living in the woods where his remains were discovered.

In 2022, the man’s skeletal remains were sent to Othram laboratory in Texas for advanced DNA testing and a genotype profile was successfully developed. In 2025, CMPD partnered with the Ramapo College IGG Center to perform research in this case and students in the Investigative Genetic Genealogy Certificate Program initially worked the case alongside CMPD investigators. Upon conclusion of the program, a small team of volunteers contributed hundreds of hours of research to bring the case to a conclusion.

Mr. McCarthy, who would have been around 52 years old at the time of his death, was loved and dearly missed by his family who had never stopped searching for him.

More information about this identification can be found in the CMPD’s press release here.”

There were actually several groups that worked genetic genealogy. It was a multi-year effort.

 

[dotr]

rbbm.

Cold Case Victim Identified Using Investigative Genetic Genealogy

Charlotte, N.C. – (Monday, November 10, 2025) – Detectives with the CMPD Cold Case Unit have identified a 2016 deceased victim using forensic investigative genetic genealogy.

www.charlottenc.gov

''Mr. McCarthy was originally from New Jersey but was living in Charlotte at the time of his last contact. According to his family, he worked in the IT field for various major corporations. Mr. McCarthy’s family never stopped searching for him, and they have expressed their gratitude for the many team members who worked to identify him.

The CMPD would like to extend thanks to Othram Labs, GEDmatch, Family Tree DNA, First Genes, the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification and the Ramapo College of New Jersey Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center. Special thanks to the many volunteer investigative genetic genealogists who worked this case.''

''The investigation into this case is active and ongoing. As additional information develops, it will be released by the CMPD's Public Affairs Division. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-8477 (TIPS) and speak directly to a Homicide Unit detective directly. Detective Hefner is the lead detective assigned to the case. ''

 

[TwinkieDefense]

Nov 10, 2025 article

Skeletal remains found in northeast Charlotte in 2016 identified as missing man from New Jersey

The family said that McCarthy had come to Charlotte and worked in the IT field for various major corporations and was missing since 2013.

www.wbtv.com

[…]

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police identified the human remains as Kenneth Robert McCarthy from New Jersey, who had been living in Charlotte before he went missing.

The family said that McCarthy had come to Charlotte and worked in the IT field for various major corporations, and his family never stopped looking for him.

[…]

 

[Grungster]

The actual IGG research in this case was performed by Ramapo College. They had published some information about him having Irish lineage earlier this year during the Crime Con event.
-
-
“[November 11, 2025] Ramapo College IGG Center and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) announce that the unidentified man previously known as “Charlotte Walmart John Doe” has been identified as Kenneth Robert McCarthy, formerly of New Jersey.

The partial skeletal remains of Charlotte Walmart John Doe were found in a sleeping bag behind a Wal Mart in Charlotte, North Carolina on January 29, 2016. It was believed that this individual was unhoused and had been living in the woods where his remains were discovered.

In 2022, the man’s skeletal remains were sent to Othram laboratory in Texas for advanced DNA testing and a genotype profile was successfully developed. In 2025, CMPD partnered with the Ramapo College IGG Center to perform research in this case and students in the Investigative Genetic Genealogy Certificate Program initially worked the case alongside CMPD investigators. Upon conclusion of the program, a small team of volunteers contributed hundreds of hours of research to bring the case to a conclusion.

Mr. McCarthy, who would have been around 52 years old at the time of his death, was loved and dearly missed by his family who had never stopped searching for him.

More information about this identification can be found in the CMPD’s press release here.”

View attachment 624422

I know with Irish genealogy it can be very difficult, especially with the lack of pre-19th century historical records, so massive props to them for cracking the case! RIP Kenneth.

 

[othram]

Nov 10, 2025 article

Skeletal remains found in northeast Charlotte in 2016 identified as missing man from New Jersey

The family said that McCarthy had come to Charlotte and worked in the IT field for various major corporations and was missing since 2013.

www.wbtv.com

[…]

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police identified the human remains as Kenneth Robert McCarthy from New Jersey, who had been living in Charlotte before he went missing.

The family said that McCarthy had come to Charlotte and worked in the IT field for various major corporations, and his family never stopped looking for him.

[…]

So glad this case is resolved but there are 15,000 other cases in NamUs that need solves. We need to require this technology for NamUS cases so people can get their names back.

 

[Susikatze]

Nov 10, 2025 article

Skeletal remains found in northeast Charlotte in 2016 identified as missing man from New Jersey

The family said that McCarthy had come to Charlotte and worked in the IT field for various major corporations and was missing since 2013.

www.wbtv.com

[…]

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police identified the human remains as Kenneth Robert McCarthy from New Jersey, who had been living in Charlotte before he went missing.

The family said that McCarthy had come to Charlotte and worked in the IT field for various major corporations, and his family never stopped looking for him.

[…]

So sad. I wonder how he spiraled down from good jobs to homelessness within 10 years. And why he was estranged from family.

Rest in eternal peace, sir. I am happy you got your name and your dignity back.

 

[EildonTree]

Their brother’s disappearance haunted a family for 12 years. This N.J. college cracked the case.

"Energized, imaginative and whip-smart, Ken was an altar boy and a judo champion who grew up in Brooklyn with Mike before the pair moved to New Jersey in their 20s. From there, Ken built a successful career as a systems programmer for companies like Panasonic, Hitachi and Lockheed Martin.

But he struggled with alcohol and substance abuse issues throughout his life, and his “demons” came back again and again, Mike and Nancy said."