DNA and family tree solve mystery of skeleton found 31 years ago

A group of researchers has managed to unravel the mystery surrounding the remains of a man. His skeleton was found on a farm in 1991, but remained unidentified for 31 years. The victim is now known to be Robert A. Mullins of Columbus (USA).

The remains were found in a shallow grave on private property in Pickaway County, Ohio, in November 1991, according to CNN.

At the beginning of the investigation, authorities believed it was an Indian woman, about 25 years old, due to her short stature of 1.50 m.

However, further analysis revealed that the remains had been buried in the shallow grave for at least three years, the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office said at the time.

Over the years, methods and resources for DNA analysis and forensic science have made advances that allow for unprecedented discoveries in these fields, and the conditions have also benefited the direction of research on the mysterious bone.

In 2012, scientists at the University of North Texas were able to extract DNA from the remains. They found that the bones belonged to a man who could be a descendant of peoples in Southeast Asia, particularly India.

“For many years, all that was available was criminal databases for DNA,” said Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.

“When the results were not immediately available and the case was inconclusive, the Pickaway County Police persisted and kept trying until evolution in DNA technology finally revealed the identity of the deceased man.”

AdvanceDNA company, in partnership with local authorities, uploaded the DNA profile to genealogical databases over months.

“We’ve created an extensive family tree that includes more than 4,000 people,” said Amanda Reno, AdvanceDNA spokesperson. “Our research spanned from Virginia to Kentucky, Canada and even England. We found that it matched the DNA of people who might be distant cousins ​​or relatives of the victim. Thanks to the new analysis, we were able to develop a specific profile for the victim, the victim. individual,” he added.

According to the Pickaway Sheriff’s Office, the process of verifying genetic materials helped researchers conclude that the remains belonged to Columbus, Ohio resident Robert A. Mullins.

Wanted by police, Mullins’ family said he disappeared between 1988 and 1989 at the age of 21.

“As science advances, discoveries from DNA become possible,” said Dave Yost. “Today this circle is closing. And this is the first step towards the rest of justice.”

Now, the investigation takes a new course and the police are working to find out if it was murder.