In October 2001, the remains of an unidentified individual were discovered in Detroit, Michigan. The partially-skeletonized remains were found by workers who were removing debris from a vacant dwelling. It was determined that the remains were that of a Black male who was between the ages of 35 and 50 years. The man was estimated to be 5’10” tall and had black hair with kinky curls. It was estimated that the man had died months prior to the discovery of his remains. The man could not be identified and details of the cases were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP8239.

In April 2023, the Detroit Police Department teamed with Othram to determine if advanced DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy could help generate new leads and assist with identifying the unknown man. Forensic evidence was submitted to Othram’s laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas where Othram scientists successfully developed a DNA extract from the forensic evidence and used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile for the unknown man. Othram’s in-house forensic genetic genealogy team then used this profile to conduct genealogy research, ultimately providing new investigative leads to law enforcement.

Using these new leads, a follow-up investigation was launched leading to potential family members of the unidentified man. The follow-up investigation led to a potential relative of the man, who provided a reference DNA sample. The potential relative's DNA profile was compared to the DNA profile developed for the unknown man using KinsSNP® Rapid Relationship Testing. This investigation led to the identification of the man as Viktor Dickson, who was born in December of 1956.

The identification of Viktor Dickson represents the 14th case in the State of Michigan where officials have publicly announced the identification of an individual using technology developed by Othram. Visit DNASolves to learn about other Michigan cases.