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Human Remains Found in Indiana in ’93 Identified as South Carolina Man

2 Sep 2024 6:45 PM | Anonymous

On Sunday, the Johnson County Coroner’s Office (JCCO) said human remains that were found in Indiana in 1993 were identified as South Carolina native Michael Benjamin Davis.

JCCO says Davis’s remains, which were found near I-65 (what is now Otte Golf Course) in Greenwood, Indiana, were identified following months of DNA and genealogy work.

“This case had remained cold with no leads until our Coroner’s Office revisited it using updated DNA and genealogy procedures. Significant progress was made with the help of the Greenwood Police Department, The University of Indianapolis, and the Othram Forensic DNA Testing Laboratory.” JCCO said.

The office says after months of emails, phone calls, and assistance from other law enforcement agencies across the U.S. and Canada, they were able to locate potential family members who received DNA kits.

“The field was narrowed, and positive DNA results and genealogy tracking located immediate family members who reported losing track of their family member in the late 1980s,” said JCCO.

According to JCCO, although the case has long been suspected of having been a homicide, the cause and manner of death have been ruled undetermined unless more information is discovered.

The family will be going to Indiana to claim the remains of Davis, who was born in Richland County, South Carolina, according to JCCO. 

JCCO says Davis would have been in his mid-20s at the time of his death.

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