Public backing drives advanced DNA initiative for identification of skeletal remains discovered in 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. The Metro Nashville Police Department is utilizing advanced DNA analysis to identify unidentified human remains, aiding multiple ongoing investigations. One notable case involves partial skeletal remains discovered in 2017 inside an abandoned building near Cumberland Heights.

The remains were found on Vashti Street, close to the Cumberland River. Investigators estimated the individual to be a man aged between 40 and 60. Personal items, including a jacket and additional clothing, were recovered with the remains. Despite extensive efforts, authorities were unable to determine his identity, leading him to be labeled as Davidson County John Doe.

When DNA is present at a crime scene, whether from a suspect or unidentified remains, we can assist once traditional investigative methods are exhausted, explained Michael Vogen, Director of Law Enforcement Solutions at Othram.

The Metro Police partnered with Othram, a private laboratory that applies sophisticated DNA technology to generate new investigative leads and provide identities to previously nameless individuals. Our sequencing technique examines hundreds of thousands of DNA markers. This allows us to create highly detailed profiles capable of identifying distant relatives, Vogen added.

Advanced DNA testing can be costly, which is why Othram supports public crowdfunding through its platform, DNA Solves. Funding from the public fully covered the testing for this particular case.

Although state and federal funding for DNA analysis is increasing, many cases still lack resources for advanced testing. For some investigations, this technology is the only means to progress a case, Vogen said.

Othram has previously assisted in solving multiple cold cases in Tennessee. Another Metro Nashville case currently seeking public funding involves the identification of a man who was fatally struck on Interstate 24 in 2007.

Analysis: The Growing Role of Advanced DNA in Nashville Investigations

The use of advanced DNA technology by the Metro Nashville Police Department represents a significant shift in how cold cases are approached. In the case of Davidson County John Doe, partial skeletal remains from 2017 are now receiving renewed investigative attention thanks to Othram's sophisticated sequencing methods. By analyzing hundreds of thousands of DNA markers, investigators can potentially identify distant relatives and finally provide names to previously unidentified individuals.

While this technology is expensive, public crowdfunding through platforms like DNA Solves has proven effective in covering the costs. This collaboration highlights a broader challenge: despite increases in state and federal funding for DNA analysis, many cases still lack the resources needed for advanced testing. In such instances, private-public partnerships are becoming essential for progress.

The implications extend beyond a single case. As Othram has shown in other Tennessee cold cases, integrating advanced DNA analysis can provide breakthroughs in investigations that have stalled for years. Nashville authorities are now able to leverage these tools to bring closure to families and create new investigative leads where traditional methods have failed.

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• Public support fuels advanced DNA effort to identify skeletal remains found in 2017