Credit: PCSO
On Nov. 1, 1991, skeletal remains were located by hunters in a shallow grave, along a private farm lane on the north side of State Route 56 east, just west of State Route 159. The remains were initially thought to have been of an Indigenous American, which has been the history of that area, however upon further review by anthropologists it was determined the remains had likely been in the ground for no more than 3 years. The remains were initially believed to belong to a female due to the small stature, with an estimated height of 5’1 – 5’4. At the time they believed the subject was approximately 25 years of age.
Since 1991, investigators from the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office have collaborated with many different agencies to try to gain information on this case. Some of the agencies include Pickaway County Coroner’s Office Dr. Michael Geron and Dr. John Ellis, The Ohio State Department of Anthropology, Dr. Elizabeth Murray from Mount Saint Joseph University, Michelle Yezzo and Kristen Slaper from BCI, Dr. Neal Haskell from Purdue University, The Analytical Genetic Testing Center, Cell Mark Diagnostics Laboratories, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
In 2012, the bones were examined by scientists at North Texas University and an attempt was made to extract DNA. They were successful and it was then proven that the individual was male. Additionally, it was noted that the individual may have ancestry originating from the Indian Subcontinent.
In 2021, Ellis and Lt Johnathan Strawser decided to pursue genetic genealogy. Due to the condition of the bones, additional specialized testing was required. The testing was performed by Hudson Alpha. Afterward, Saber Investigations provided bioinformatics, which resulted in a DNA profile suitable for genetic genealogy.
In January 2022, Ellis and Strawser contracted with AdvanceDNA for genetic genealogy research services, with the goal of restoring the identity of the man and solving this 30-year-old mystery.
AdvanceDNA uploaded the DNA profile into Family Tree DNA and GEDmatch databases. Their initial research determined that the man’s father would likely have connections to Virginia and his mother would be of English and Indian heritage, with recent immigration to the United States.
On Nov. 1, 2022, exactly 31 years from the date of discovery, AdvanceDNA met with the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office. After extensive research and partnership with nine private citizens, who were determined to be genetic relative matches of the man, AdvanceDNA was able to identify a strong lead in his identity.
Tuesday, after a multistep verification process, his identity has been confirmed as Robert A. Mullins, of Columbus, Ohio.
Strawser and Amanda Reno of AdvanceDNA met with Robert’s family extensively. The family voluntarily provided a DNA sample for comparison, which was processed by Gene By Gene of Houston, Texas, confirming the lead provided by AdvanceDNA.
Robert’s family reports that he went missing in late 1988 or early 1989. At the time he was 21 years old, 5’3”, and lived on the northeast side of Columbus. Additionally, they report that efforts were made to locate him across the years, however, the attempts were unsuccessful. Robert’s absence was a great source of pain in their lives, especially in the life of his late mother Catherine, who never stopped looking for her son.
“Thirty-one Christmas’s have gone by while this family waited for answers. When the results weren’t immediate and the case grew cool, Pickaway County law enforcement dug in their heels and kept trying until the evolution of DNA technology finally yielded an identity for John Doe,” said Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost in a statement.
The Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Robert’s genetic relative matches who volunteered their time and family information. Robert was a distant cousin to them, and despite being someone they had never met, each of these relatives played a key role in bringing him home to his family.
This is still an active case we ask anyone who has any information on what could have happened to Robert Mullins to please contact Lt. Johnathan Strawser with the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office at (740) 474-2176.
Provided by Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office.