The Utah State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has successfully identified an unknown deceased male discovered more than 14 years ago under an Interstate 15 overpass near Roy, Utah. Through the efforts of investigators and recent breakthroughs in forensic genetic genealogy, the individual has been positively identified as Terry Richardson Chawk of Florida.
In May 2012, Chawk’s remains were discovered in a state of advanced decomposition under a freeway overpass. At the time, it appeared he was living a transient lifestyle. Because there were no personal items, identification documents, or immediate clues at the scene, investigators were unable to identify him.
Despite the decomposition, the Utah Bureau of Forensic Services (State Crime Lab) successfully obtained a usable thumbprint. However, searches of all available national and international fingerprint databases yielded no matches.
Over the next 14 years, state and local investigators exhausted an extensive amount of resources to solve the case. These efforts included:
- Following up on dozens of public tips and media appeals.
- Conducting local area searches and comparing dental records.
- Entering the case details into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs).
- Uploading DNA profiles into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).
- Coordinating with multiple law enforcement agencies nationwide and conducting searches through Interpol.
In recent years, SBI partnered with private laboratories to utilize advanced DNA technologies, including investigative genetic genealogy and surname searches. In July 2026, a new, voluntary submission to a public genealogical database yielded a lead. SBI’s Forensic Genetic Genealogist analyzed the data and identified a potential biological match.
SBI investigators subsequently contacted a presumed brother of the deceased, who provided a reference DNA sample for direct comparison. A forensic laboratory analyzed the DNA, confirming the biological relationship, and the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner officially certified the positive identification of Terry Richardson Chawk.
"Our investigators never gave up on this case," said Agent Brian Davis of the SBI. "For fourteen years, we searched for answers. Thanks to DNA technology paired with the evolution of genetic genealogy, and the cooperation of Mr. Chawk's family, we can finally return his remains to his loved ones and provide them with the closure they deserve."
The State Bureau of Investigation has been in close contact with Chawk’s family and has made arrangements with the family to return Terry’s remains.
“Our family is grateful to the investigators of the Utah State Bureau of Investigation and everyone who worked on our brother’s case to help bring us closure," said the family of Chawk.
Republished courtesy of SBI