Othram - General Discussion - #3

[dotr]

Othram has had a long-standing relationship with the Michigan State Police and we are grateful to be able to share that we assisted in what MSP is saying is the oldest unsolved Michigan sex assault case resolved through forensic genetic genealogy.

A 1986 Michigan Sexual Assault Suspect is Identified

Michigan State Police Teams with Othram to Identify a 1986 Sexual Assault Suspect

dnasolves.com

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MI Thread 'MI- Nahma, Fishdam River, public restroom, woman abducted & SA @ gunpoint in car, Aug; 1985, DNA- Suspect,78, died 2 days prior to arrest, July 2025.'

Aug 1, 2025

A 1986 Michigan Sexual Assault Suspect is Identified

Michigan State Police Teams with Othram to Identify a 1986 Sexual Assault Suspect

dnasolves.com

''In August 1986, a woman on a bike trip was abducted after using a public restroom at the boat launch at the Big Fishdam River near Nahma, Michigan. The woman was traveling on a 366-mile journey from her home in Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. After using the restroom, a man confronted her and forced the woman into his car at gunpoint. He drove her around in his car, repeatedly sexually assaulting her.

After she was released, the woman reported the crime to local enforcement who...

• dotr

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[othram]

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MI Thread 'MI- Nahma, Fishdam River, public restroom, woman abducted & SA @ gunpoint in car, Aug; 1985, DNA- Suspect,78, died 2 days prior to arrest, July 2025.'

Aug 1, 2025

A 1986 Michigan Sexual Assault Suspect is Identified

Michigan State Police Teams with Othram to Identify a 1986 Sexual Assault Suspect

dnasolves.com

''In August 1986, a woman on a bike trip was abducted after using a public restroom at the boat launch at the Big Fishdam River near Nahma, Michigan. The woman was traveling on a 366-mile journey from her home in Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. After using the restroom, a man confronted her and forced the woman into his car at gunpoint. He drove her around in his car, repeatedly sexually assaulting her.

After she was released, the woman reported the crime to local enforcement who...

• dotr

• 

Thanks for finding the thread!

 

[JovanSrna]

Othram has had a long-standing relationship with the Michigan State Police and we are grateful to be able to share that we assisted in what MSP is saying is the oldest unsolved Michigan sex assault case resolved through forensic genetic genealogy.

A 1986 Michigan Sexual Assault Suspect is Identified

Michigan State Police Teams with Othram to Identify a 1986 Sexual Assault Suspect

dnasolves.com

These cases are very sensitive so identities of people involved are not made public but may I ask how frequently you work on cases like this? There's a website called endthebacklog.org where they show how large backlogs for sexual assault kits are in every state, and Michigan had 648 untested kids at the end of 2024. That's quite a lot to take in but Indiana, for example, had over 6000, twice as many compared to Texas even though it has a much smaller population. Reading between the lines of this case, I wonder if the suspect killed himself to avoid a trial and public shame. The victim has a lot of mixed feelings I imagine but I'm glad she received a belated answer.

 

[othram]

We work on a lot of sex assault cases but not enough. We need to advocate for more testing of more cases. Without newer DNA technology, these cases will just sit forever.

 

[othram]

Our podcast, "America's Crime Lab", is #22 on Apple's Top Series chart. New episode tomorrow. Listen here: America's Crime Lab

 

[othram]

An investigation is almost always built from more than DNA alone. Other context in a case—such as timelines, witness statements, geospatial data, and digital evidence—can help speed up a DNA-based identification. Likewise, DNA-based forensic intelligence can help validate, refute, or focus non-DNA leads in a case. Check out what Othram is doing to make sure we can get the most out of all evidence, even non-DNA evidence.

The Algorithmic Era of Policing Will Scale Justice for Everyone, Everywhere | Othram Research

OthramOS brings the speed, scale, and precision of AI to every part of an investigation, helping agencies organize all evidence, connect critical details, and deliver justice faster.

research.othram.com

 

[imstilla.grandma]

She recently reinvestigated one that happened in Minneapolis back in 1968. That's when the fire department responded to a burned out boxcar and discovered two bodies.

Then, in 2023, the medical examiner submitted forensic evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas to determine if advanced DNA testing could help to identify the man. Othram scientists successfully developed a suitable DNA extract from the remains. Othram's in-house forensic genetic genealogy team then performed records research and used genetic genealogy to develop new leads in the case.

A follow-up investigation was launched, leading investigators to potential relatives of the man. This investigation led to the identification of James R. Wakkinen,

Meet the doctor reinvestigating the nearly 200 unidentified remains in Hennepin County

Minnesota's forensic anthropologist, Dr. Jessica Campbell, is trying to solve decades-old mysteries and provide closure.

www.kare11.com

2015 Camp Verde remains identified through DNA - Sedona Red Rock News

Michael Wayne Mest’s remains have finally been identified, more than nine years after his body’s remains found in the Camp Verde area on May 25, 2015. The identification was announced on July 28 by Othram, a private forensic laboratory based in The Woodlands, Texas, that works with law...

www.redrocknews.com

https://www.facebook.com/sedonanews/posts/pfbid0372kqhEbPc9L2zrMQj7zqkgWM6Qb9qADan6S5LWqe1FLrdw2VJjyUhpcG7Nr34ePil

 

[othram]

She recently reinvestigated one that happened in Minneapolis back in 1968. That's when the fire department responded to a burned out boxcar and discovered two bodies.

Then, in 2023, the medical examiner submitted forensic evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas to determine if advanced DNA testing could help to identify the man. Othram scientists successfully developed a suitable DNA extract from the remains. Othram's in-house forensic genetic genealogy team then performed records research and used genetic genealogy to develop new leads in the case.

A follow-up investigation was launched, leading investigators to potential relatives of the man. This investigation led to the identification of James R. Wakkinen,

Meet the doctor reinvestigating the nearly 200 unidentified remains in Hennepin County

Minnesota's forensic anthropologist, Dr. Jessica Campbell, is trying to solve decades-old mysteries and provide closure.

www.kare11.com

2015 Camp Verde remains identified through DNA - Sedona Red Rock News

Michael Wayne Mest’s remains have finally been identified, more than nine years after his body’s remains found in the Camp Verde area on May 25, 2015. The identification was announced on July 28 by Othram, a private forensic laboratory based in The Woodlands, Texas, that works with law...

www.redrocknews.com

https://www.facebook.com/sedonanews/posts/pfbid0372kqhEbPc9L2zrMQj7zqkgWM6Qb9qADan6S5LWqe1FLrdw2VJjyUhpcG7Nr34ePil

DNA testing, when properly used, ends up being the easiest and fastest way to solve most of these sorts of cases.

 

[othram]

Honored that Othram could assist the Ocoee Police Department and the Districts 9 and 25 Medical Examiners Office in identifying a 2016 John Doe as Lloyd Williams, born in 1923. Everyone deserves their name back.

After 9 Years, Florida's Ocoee John Doe (2016) is Identified

Ocoee Police Department and Districts 9 and 25 Medical Examiners Office Team with Othram to Identify a 2016 John Doe

dnasolves.com

 

[dotr]

Found Deceased Post in thread 'FL- Lloyd P. Williams, 90, Orlando, 14 Mar 2013'

Aug 6, 2025

His NamUs page has been removed.

I wonder if he could have been identified as UP16742 whose profile was archived last week. UP16742 was found on April 01, 2016 in Ocoee, FL with an estimated date of death of 2013-2014. The distance between Orlando and Ocoee is less than 20 miles. The age estimate for UP16742 is 40-60 years, so Mr. Williams is well outside of that estimate.

https://www.doenetwork.org/cases/software/main.html?id=4079UMFL

• iulia

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[othram]

Found Deceased Post in thread 'FL- Lloyd P. Williams, 90, Orlando, 14 Mar 2013'

Aug 6, 2025

His NamUs page has been removed.

I wonder if he could have been identified as UP16742 whose profile was archived last week. UP16742 was found on April 01, 2016 in Ocoee, FL with an estimated date of death of 2013-2014. The distance between Orlando and Ocoee is less than 20 miles. The age estimate for UP16742 is 40-60 years, so Mr. Williams is well outside of that estimate.

https://www.doenetwork.org/cases/software/main.html?id=4079UMFL

• iulia

• 

Sometimes inconsistent or imprecise details will throw investigators off. This is why we need DNA testing!

 

[ChatteringBirds]

Thank you for all that you do, Othram.

I would like to suggest a case out of Colorado, a baby found in a bag in Breckenridge in 1993. (Wouldn't be surprised if she has already been suggested.)

The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)

By bringing people, information, forensic science and technology together, NamUs helps resolve cases.

www.namus.gov

 

[othram]

Thank you for all that you do, Othram.

I would like to suggest a case out of Colorado, a baby found in a bag in Breckenridge in 1993. (Wouldn't be surprised if she has already been suggested.)

The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)

By bringing people, information, forensic science and technology together, NamUs helps resolve cases.

www.namus.gov

Appreciate you surfacing the case. We will see if we can help.

 

[othram]

Ever wondered how your DNA can help solve a case?

We wrote an explainer that walks you through how investigators use forensic genetic genealogy and reference DNA testing to turn DNA evidence into answers.

The Role of Reference DNA Testing in Forensic Genetic Genealogy

Reference DNA testing is key to accelerating and improving forensic genetic genealogy, but it only works if we protect donor privacy and use rigorous science that will hold up in court.

research.othram.com

 

[othram]

Honored that Othram could assist the Knox County Regional Forensic Center in identifying a 2020 John Doe as Gerald John Forsman. Grateful to US Representative Tim Burchett for advocating for funding for this and other Tennessee cases.

Tennessee's Knox County John Doe (2020) is Identified

 

[dotr]

Honored that Othram could assist the Knox County Regional Forensic Center in identifying a 2020 John Doe as Gerald John Forsman. Grateful to US Representative Tim Burchett for advocating for funding for this and other Tennessee cases.

Tennessee's Knox County John Doe (2020) is Identified

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TN Thread 'TN- In the woods near 200 block, Overbrook Drive, Knoxville, John Doe, #UP71379, 20 May 2020, DNA- Gerald J. Forsman, of Livonia, MI, born 1959, 2025.'

Aug 26, 2025

Tennessee's Knox County John Doe (2020) is Identified

Knox County Regional Forensic Center Teams with Othram to Identify a 2020 John Doe

dnasolves.com

Aug 26, 2025

https://www.wjhl.com/news/regional/tennessee/human-remains-found-in-south-knoxville-identified-after-5-years/?nxsparam=3

''KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Human remains found in Knoxville in 2020 have been identified, the Knox County Regional Forensic Center said Tuesday.

The remains were identified as Gerald J. Forsman, originally from Livonia, Michigan, born in 1959.

The remains were found on May 20, 2020, in the woods near the 200 block of Overbrook Drive, the Knoxville Police...

• dotr

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[Bounceycat]

Here is a thread I made about 2 human skulls found in Lancaster County, PA. The DNA was sent to Othram, awaiting results.

Thread 'PA - West Earl Township, Lancaster County, two human skulls found June 2025'

Aug 26, 2025

2 skulls found in West Earl Township undergoing testing in hopes of learning identities

Investigators are waiting for the results of DNA analysis before deciding how to proceed with the case of two human skulls found in a West Earl Township field in June.

lancasteronline.com

Investigators are waiting for the results of DNA analysis before deciding how to proceed with the case of two human skulls found in a West Earl Township field in June.

Higgins said nothing has been ruled out, including foul play or a potential farm burial plot. The area...

• Bounceycat
• Replies: 4
• Forum: In the News

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[othram]

Honored that Othram could assist the King County Medical Examiner's Office and Thurston County Sheriff's Office in Identifying a 2009 John Doe as Donald Myrel Nelson. He had been missing since 1989. Grateful to Governor Ferguson, Attorney General Nick Brown, and the Washington State Legislature for funding this case.

After 16 Years, Thurston County John Doe (2009) is Identified

 

[dotr]

Honored that Othram could assist the King County Medical Examiner's Office and Thurston County Sheriff's Office in Identifying a 2009 John Doe as Donald Myrel Nelson. He had been missing since 1989. Grateful to Governor Ferguson, Attorney General Nick Brown, and the Washington State Legislature for funding this case.

After 16 Years, Thurston County John Doe (2009) is Identified

D

WA Thread 'WA- Thurston County, Lacey, in field, Meadows Elementary School, John Doe#UP8888, skeletal, 30 April,2009, DNA-Donald Myrel Nelson, born April, 1960.'

Aug 28, 2025

rbbm.

After 16 Years, Thurston County John Doe (2009) is Identified

King County Medical Examiner's Office and Thurston County Sheriff's Office Team with Othram to Identify a 2009 John Doe

dnasolves.com

''On April 30, 2009, human remains were discovered in a field near Meadows Elementary School in Lacey, Washington. The remains were determined to be skeletal and were found with Levi’s jeans, boxer shorts, and knee-high white athletic socks bearing a green Nike logo. Despite the recovery of clothing and the application of traditional forensic methods, authorities were unable to identify the unknown man. A DNA profile was developed and searched in CODIS, but no matches were found. The case was entered into...

• dotr

• 

 

[othram]

D

WA Thread 'WA- Thurston County, Lacey, in field, Meadows Elementary School, John Doe#UP8888, skeletal, 30 April,2009, DNA-Donald Myrel Nelson, born April, 1960.'

Aug 28, 2025

rbbm.

After 16 Years, Thurston County John Doe (2009) is Identified

King County Medical Examiner's Office and Thurston County Sheriff's Office Team with Othram to Identify a 2009 John Doe

dnasolves.com

''On April 30, 2009, human remains were discovered in a field near Meadows Elementary School in Lacey, Washington. The remains were determined to be skeletal and were found with Levi’s jeans, boxer shorts, and knee-high white athletic socks bearing a green Nike logo. Despite the recovery of clothing and the application of traditional forensic methods, authorities were unable to identify the unknown man. A DNA profile was developed and searched in CODIS, but no matches were found. The case was entered into...

• dotr

• 

You might be wondering why there are so many solves in Washington State. This is because of the investment the state makes in solving these cases!