Human remains found in 1993 near I-65 (what is now Otte Golf Course) in Greenwood have been positively identified following months of DNA and genealogy work. This case had remained cold with no leads until our Coroner's Office revisited it using updated DNA and genealogy procedures.
Significant progress was made with the help of Greenwood PD, The University of Indianapolis, and the Othram Forensic DNA Testing Laboratory.
After months of emails, phone calls, and assistance from other law enforcement agencies across the U.S. and Canada, we were able to locate potential family members who received DNA kits funded by Indianapolis based Audiochuck / Crime Junkie Podcast Founder and CEO Ashley Flowers and distributed by Othram.
The field was narrowed, and positive DNA results and genealogy tracking located immediate family members who reported losing track of their family member in the late 1980s. After nearly six months of work the Coroners Office has identified the remains as Michael Benjamin Davis. This is Johnson County's only known unidentified set of remains.
Although this case has long been suspected of having been a homicide, the cause and manner of death have been ruled undetermined unless more information is discovered. The family will be coming to Indiana to claim the remains of Michael who was born in Richland County, South Carolina.
He would have been in his mid-20s at the time of his death.
Thank you to my Chief Deputy Derek Wilson and Administrative Deputy Coroner Valerie Castro for taking the lead on this case and giving Michael’s family closure. - Michael D Pruitt, Johnson County Coroner
Republished courtesy of The Johnson County Coroner's Office