Credit: DDP
The DNA Doe Project and the Baker County Sheriff’s Office are looking for help from the public to identify a John Doe found in 1995 in Macclenny, Florida. Research by the DNA Doe Project has now revealed that the unidentified man had Colombian heritage, and he may have been a first generation immigrant to the U.S.
On Sept. 5, 1995, a dog returned to its home in Macclenny, Florida with a human skull. Just a few days later, the same dog returned to its owner with another bone, a human femur. Subsequent DNA testing confirmed that these bones belonged to the same individual, but authorities were not able to pinpoint where the dog had found these remains.
A forensic anthropologist found that the remains were of a White man who was over 25 years old at the time he died. The bones showed no evidence of trauma, and it was estimated that the man had died around six months before his remains were discovered, suggesting that he died in early 1995.
Decades later, this case was brought to the DNA Doe Project, and a team of investigative genetic genealogists has now been working on it for the past three years. Their research has uncovered new information, including the fact that Baker County John Doe was of Colombian descent.
“It’s very possible that this man was originally from Colombia”, said team co-leader, Matthew Waterfield. “He may well have family living in areas like Jacksonville, Miami or Orlando, and he likely has other relatives who still live in Colombia.”
Genealogy research has determined that the unidentified man has links to the Caldas and Antioquia regions of Colombia, while the cities of Aranzazu, Manizales and Medellín are of particular interest. Surnames in his family tree may include Ocampo, Giraldo, Ramírez or Mejía.
“We’re hoping that someone remembers a Colombian relative or friend who they haven’t heard from since the 1990s”, said Paris Major, team co-leader. “We’d encourage anyone with family or friends in Caldas or Antioquia to spread the word about this unidentified man, as we’re sure there is someone out there who misses him.”
If you think you know who this man is, or have any information that could help the DNA Doe Project identify him, please email [email protected] or contact the Baker County Sheriff’s Office.
Republished courtesy of DDP