The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office received confirmation that a John Doe death reported on January 2, 2015 has been positively identified using genetic genealogy and the assistance of the DNA Doe Project in Sebastopol.
Stephen Patrick Archer (48 at time of death), Seattle, Washington, was found near a walking path in Rohnert Park. Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety (RPDPS) initially investigated his death as a non-traumatic, non-suspicious death. However, his cause of death and identity were unknown. The Sonoma County Coroner’s Office was notified, and he was soon after that known only as “15 John Doe,” as he was the first coroner case of 2015.
Despite exhausting Missing and Unidentified Persons protocols, Archer remained unidentified for over 6 years. The protocols included DNA samples sent for Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) upload, dental charting through Missing Persons Sacramento, Forensic Anthropologic studies (Cal State Chico), and countless hours canvassing the area and local homeless shelters, and the dissemination of law enforcement informational flyers.
After the capture of the Golden State Killer using genetic genealogy technology, the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office started to explore the possibility for use in this case.
"We used a DNA testing company that developed a genetic profile for 15 John Doe. We then submitted that genetic profile into GEDmatch, an online service to compare autosomal DNA data files from different testing companies. Due to changing user agreements and policies within the company’s terms, our potential matches were low, and the case was stagnant again," said Detective Coroner Sergeant Justin Haugen.
Then, Haugen turned to DNA Doe Project. DNA Doe Project made quick headway in the case and, together with the detective, tentatively identified 15 John Doe. Ultimately, a DNA comparison through the Department of Justice (DOJ) was completed using his biological samples, which matched his biological mother. A positive ID was finally made for Stephen Archer.
"We appreciate the hard work and collaboration from the DNA Doe Project," Haugen said. "We look forward to working with them again soon to help solve the 38 unidentified decedent cases in Sonoma County."
Republished courtesy of Sonoma County Sheriff's Office. Photo credit: Sonoma Sheriff.