Man who disappeared over ten years ago identified through skeletal remains found by Paulding property owner

Human skeletal remains discovered in Paulding County in September 2021 have been confirmed as belonging to a man who had been reported missing nearly a decade ago.

The remains were uncovered on September 22, 2021, by a property owner preparing the land for residential construction. A search of the area revealed a skull and additional bones, which were initially unidentifiable due to the absence of any identification or trauma indicators.

Authorities later confirmed that the remains are those of Thomas Joe Kratzer, who went missing in February 2014. This identification provides long-awaited closure for the Kratzer family, stated Sheriff Ashley Henson.

Kratzers family reported him missing on February 4, 2014, after having not heard from him since October 2013. His case was entered into the GCIC/NCIC database as a missing person report and remained active for years without new leads.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigations anthropology team initially determined the remains belonged to a Caucasian male between the ages of 24 and 60. Despite reviewing regional missing persons reports, no match could be found at that time.

In 2023, the remains were sent to Othram, a forensic DNA laboratory, for advanced analysis. DNA testing produced a presumptive match to Kratzer, which was subsequently confirmed through a sample provided by his sister. Sheriff Henson highlighted that this case reflects the Cold Case Units dedication and the importance of leveraging modern technology to bring resolution to families and justice for the missing.

Authorities are urging anyone with information on cold cases to contact the Paulding County Sheriffs Office Tip Line at 770-443-3047 or submit a report via the Paulding Sheriff Mobile App.

Author: Gavin Porter