25-04-2025
DNA technology could help identify remains found in Knoxville after nearly 40 years
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — After nearly four decades, DNA profiling and forensic genetic genealogy may help investigators find the name of a man found in a South Knoxville quarry.
According to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, on September 21, 1985, a man's remains were discovered in a rock quarry in South Knoxville. It was estimated the man had been dead for a week. The case profile said the man's hair and eye color were unknown.
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The man was estimated to be around 5'9″ tall and between the ages of 27 and 34 years old. A spokesperson for the Knox County Regional Forensic Center explained that the man was found wearing a 'Gooding Million Dollar Midway' shirt, and its possible that he may have been associated with the fair because it would have been in town around the time frame.
The case was first investigated by Dr. William Bass the spokesperson explained. Bass is known around the world for his research because of his research on the decomposition of human bodies. In 1971, he came to the University of Tennessee and was on the medical examiner's staff, and his work ultimately led the university's Forensic Anthropology Facility, which many may know as the 'body farm.'.
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In 2017, the Knox County Regional Forensic Center took jurisdiction of the case. In many unidentified remains cases, officials will release a photos of a facial composite of what the person was believed to have looked like when they were alive, but in this case, the forensic center spokesperson said that was not possible because they did not receive the man's jaw from the University of Tennessee.
Years later, the case may be one step closer to being solved. Recently, the Knox County Regional Forensic Center submitted the case for Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG) through Othram, a Texas-based laboratory, after it was fully funded through grant funds. Othram specializes in DNA sequencing for FGG, which creates new leads for law enforcement by searching for potential relatives of a person based on DNA profiling.
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One of the concerns when discussing older cases involving DNA is if the DNA sample's age may make it more difficult for an accurate profile to be developed. Earlier this month, the director of case management at Othram, Michael Vogen, explained to 6 News that while there are challenges, they have developed different techniques to help sort out the 'noise,' degradation and contamination to develop a profile similar to would be developed through a current day DNA test that involves filling a tube with saliva. In fact, Othram has had success in helping solve cases as old as the 1850s, he explained.
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