The Newton County (Indiana) Coroner’s Office with the assistance of Rebecca Goddard, Newton County Chief Deputy Prosecutor who worked hand-in-hand with the DNA Doe Project have positively identified the remains of a young man found some 37 ½ years ago. The young man, who was known for years as “Brad Doe” has been identified as John Ingram Brandenburg, Jr of Chicago, IL. Family has been contacted and advised of their son/brother’s fate.
Johnny, as his mother called him, was one of four young men found on an abandoned farm in rural Lake Village on October 18, 1983. He, along with the others, had been drugged and murdered by now deceased serial killer Larry Eyler (the Highway Killer). Of the four victims found, three have now been identified. Michael Bauer and John Bartlett were identified early in the investigation leaving “Adam Doe” and “Brad Doe” unidentified for years.
Thanks to the DNA Doe Project, Rebecca Goddard and the use of genetic genealogy, a potential match was found. After reaching out to potential family members and them allowing the upload of their DNA into GEDMatch, a match of 99.59% was developed. The family was quickly and quietly notified, and this office is keeping in close contact until such time as their son and brother can be returned to them.
Republished courtesy of Newton County, Indiana Coroner's Office. Photo credit: Newton County, Indiana Coroner's Office