Credit: PBSO
Police made a breakthrough in identifying unidentified remains from June 2021 using advanced forensic genetic genealogy.
On June 12, 2021, a couple walking on the scenic trail in the Canal Point Recreation Area along the eastern shoreline of Lake Okeechobee in Palm Beach County, discovered skeletal remains. Our Detectives from Violent Crimes Division responded to investigate and Palm Beach (Florida) County Office Medical Examiner responded to collect the human remains. There were no investigative leads indicating the cause or manner of this person’s death.
In 2025, a partnership with Othram began an effort to identify the person. In a short period of time, Othram provided Cold Case Unit detectives with investigative leads derived from genealogy research.
In September 2025, Palm Beach Sheriff's Office (PBSO) Cold Case Unit detectives traveled domestically to follow-up on these investigative leads and collect additional samples from likely relatives of the decedent. On Oct. 27, 2025, the decedent was identified as William Wolfgang McKinnis, of Boston. McKinnis was a veteran. The identification was a direct result of the collaboration between PBSO Senior Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogist Stacey Baker, Othram, the Palm Beach County Office of the Medical Examiner, and PBSO Cold Case Unit detectives.
Prior to his death, McKinnis lived somewhat of a transient lifestyle and was estranged from family. Records indicate McKinnis traveled between Cocoa, Florida and Hollywood, Florida in the summer of 2019.
At this point, PBSO are seeking information from anyone who may have known or encountered McKinnis from 2019 to 2021 and has information as to what may have caused his death. Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers at ** TIPS, 1-800-458-TIPS.
Republished courtesy of Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office