Mystery of unidentified John Doe solved after 20 years by DNA sequencing
A man whose identity had remained a mystery since his death over 20 years ago has now been finally identified, thanks to groundbreaking genealogy techniques.
A man whose identity had remained a mystery since his death over 20 years ago has now been finally identified, thanks to groundbreaking genealogy techniques.
The man was found alive but unconscious on the sidewalk of Third Avenue and West Madison Street in Phoenix in August 2004. He was taken to a local hospital, where he died of heat exposure, but medics and police at the time were unable to discern his name and no next of kin came forward.
He was 6 feet 2 inches tall, had scars on his abdomen and forearms, and was estimated to be between 30 and 55 years old.
The Phoenix Police Department followed the standard process of identification — entering fingerprints and a DNA sample into police databases — but had no success for decades.
However, after a series of specialist genealogy labs collaborated with authorities on the John Doe case, two living third cousins were identified, and the man has been confirmed as John Thiellesen.
Rating: 5