Credit: DNASolves
On Oct. 24, 2024, the Millcreek Township Police Department (Pennsylvania) was dispatched to the northern edge of the Millcreek Mall property after human remains were discovered in Walnut Creek.
Working in collaboration with the coroner's office, an autopsy was scheduled to be performed by a forensic pathologist. At autopsy, the unknown human remains (UHR) were identified as those of an adult female, who showed no sign of trauma or natural disease. After the autopsy was complete, the unidentified human remains were sent to a local university for forensic anthropological analysis.
Millcreek Township Police Department (MPD) then began working with Othram. At Othram, DNA was extracted from the remains and analyzed, before being compared with publicly-accessible DNA profiles. Genealogists at Othram and investigators at MPD and the Erie Police Department (EPD) worked in collaboration to build out possible genetic networks the remains may have belonged to.
As potential relatives were identified, countless phone interviews were conducted as MPD went in search of a person(s) willing to submit their DNA for analysis in furtherance of this investigation. A genetic network centered around McKean and Potter Counties in Penn. Cattaraugus County in NY was eventually identified, at which time additional phone interviews were conducted. As a result of these interviews two additional DNA samples were submitted to Othram by potential relatives. These samples allowed Othram to conclusively determine the remains were that of Rebecca L. (Foley) Hakes of Olean, NY. Per the Olean (NY) Police Department (OPD), Hakes was reported missing by relatives in late-2024.
MPD would like to thank the Erie County Coroner's Office, Dr. Todd Luckasevic, Dr. Dennis Dirkmaat, Dr. Joe Adserias-Garriga and the entire Mercyhurst University Department of Applied Forensic Sciences, Othram, EPD Det. Sgt. Craig Stoker, and OPD Det. Sgt. Tim Cashimere for their assistance in this matter. Without their assistance, closure for the family would not have been possible.
Republished courtesy of Millcreek Township PD