In November 2006, a woman was sexually assaulted by an unknown man in the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina. The victim was working after-hours at a local business when a man she did not know attacked her in the parking lot and forced her inside a building. Once inside the building, the woman was sexually assaulted by the man. The Horry County Police Department responded, launching an investigation and the collection of evidence.

DNA evidence was collected and an STR profile was developed for the unknown suspect. The STR profile was uploaded to CODIS, but no match was found to any known individual. However, the profile did match to multiple other unsolved crime scene profiles that had been previously submitted to CODIS, linking the suspect to several unrelated crimes, though their identity remained unknown.

In December 2020, with no leads on the suspect’s identity, the Horry County Police Department submitted forensic evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas. Othram scientists developed a DNA extract from the evidence and applied Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile of the man. Using this profile, Othram’s in-house forensic genetic genealogy team conducted a genetic genealogy search and generated new investigative leads, which were returned to law enforcement.

Using this new information, a follow-up investigation was conducted by the law enforcement agency, which led investigators to identify the suspect as 60-year-old Randy Barnhill of Conway, South Carolina. Barnhill was arrested and on September 30, 2025, he pleaded guilty to rape, kidnapping, and burglary. He was sentenced to 18 years in prison.

The identification of Randy Barnhill marks the seventh publicly announced case in South Carolina solved with the help of technology developed by Othram. Although Barnhill’s DNA profile had been in CODIS for years, tied to multiple unsolved crimes, he could not be identified because his identity was not already in the database. This case illustrates why advanced DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy are so critical: if a suspect’s identity is not in CODIS, traditional methods cannot provide answers. Barnhill was a serial predator who posed an ongoing threat, and solving this one case instantly helped resolve several other cases.

Visit DNASolves to learn about other South Carolina cases where your support can help bring long-awaited answers to families.

Moxxy Forensic Investigations, in partnership with the McLean County Coroner's Office and the McLean County Sheriff’s Office, has positively identified a woman whose remains were discovered in rural McLean County in 1982. The individual, previously referred to as “McLean

County Jane Doe,” has been confirmed through investigative genetic genealogical analysis to be 39-year-old Linda Cecilia Haddad. Linda’s remains were discovered on February 2, 1982, along US Route 136 between LeRoy and Bellflower.

Despite dedicated investigative efforts at the time and over the decades since, her identity remained unknown for more than 40 years. Using advanced DNA technology and investigative genetic genealogy, investigators were finally able to identify the body of “McLean County Jane Doe.”

​On February 2, 1982, at approximately 1:50 PM a McLean County Sheriff's deputy heard a member of District 6 of the Illinois State Police dispatched a trooper to the area of Rt 136, 1.5 miles east of Rt. 150, for a reportedly deceased individual. Upon the deputy's arrival, he met with LeRoy Police, LeRoy Rescue and an ISP Crime Scene Technician, who was traveling on Rt 136, when the dispatch went out. At the scene there was an unidentified deceased female. Additional

ISP and McLean County Coroner's and Sheriff's Office investigators arrived and ultimately "Jane Doe" was transported to the former Brokaw Hospital in Normal, IL, for a postmortem examination. Subsequent investigation would determine that no foul play was involved, and "Jane Doe", as she would become known, died as a result of suicide.

She was initially described as being approximately 38-40 years old, 5'10" tall, with hazel eyes and black hair, and weighed approximately 150 pounds.

Investigators located and interviewed numerous people regarding “Jane Doe.” Results of those interviews indicated multiple people gave her rides, or attempted to assist her in some manner, dropping her off when requested, at numerous locations between Clinton, Bloomington,

Heyworth and Leroy, IL. Those who gave rides or tried to assist “Jane Doe” stated some of the things she talked about seemed unusual and her behavior seemed erratic. Some felt she was agitated.

At approximately 1:35 P.M., a passerby located the body of “Jane Doe” off Rt. 136, approximately 1.5 miles east of Rt. 150 hanging near the base of the utility pole, her feet on the ground and knees bent. The passerby stopped a IDOT snowplow after which the snowplow driver and passerby cut "Jane Doe" from the pole and called for assistance.

Additional investigation by MCCO, MCSO and ISP investigators followed up on considerable leads and tips from the public. A locksmith in New York was identified from a key on her keychain, but the lead ended there. Throughout the remainder of 1982, the investigation continued, including the involvement of a forensic anthropologist from the University of Oklahoma, along with additional media releases. Unfortunately, no new leads or information as to whom "Jane Doe" was developed. She was buried on December 7, 1982, in a rural Bloomington cemetery. The investigation slowly wound down, due to a lack of additional information.

In 2016, the McLean County Coroner's Office was contacted by an individual who was researching the case and presented some information they had developed. The case was reopened and this information was investigated by MCSO detectives, but did not lead to the identification of "Jane Doe". Her DNA was uploaded to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), and an entry for the McLean County "Jane Doe" was submitted to NamUs. No hits or leads were developed from either upload, and the investigation was suspended due to a lack of new information.

In January of 2021, the Coroner's Office received a communication from another individual who was researching the case. Based on the strength of the information for a possible candidate, the case was reopened and investigated by MCSO detectives. Ultimately, it was determined through comparison of DNA samples that "Jane Doe" was not the missing person from the tip. A review of the 1982 reports compiled by the involved law enforcement agencies was undertaken, and a timeline was developed to gain a better understanding of her movements prior to her death. In March of 2021, investigation of the case was suspended due to a lack of new information.

In August of 2023, MCSO Criminal Investigation Department was contacted by an investigative genetic genealogist with Moxxy Forensic Investigations regarding this case. After several conversations with Moxxy and MCSO Command Staff, a meeting was held, and it was decided to reopen this investigation and pursue it further.

Through their work in investigative genetic genealogy, Moxxy Forensic Investigations has identified a number of previously unidentified deceased individuals and perpetrators of violent crimes, in addition to their advocacy for unreported missing person cases. A fundraising campaign was initiated by Moxxy Forensics and in November of 2024, the project goal was reached. In February 2025, Moxxy Forensic Investigations commenced genealogical analysis, and by late March, had developed a potential candidate for “Jane Doe”.  Living genetic relatives of “Jane Doe” were identified, and a sample from one was taken and directly compared to “Jane Doe’s” profile, with their close genetic relationship confirming the identity of “Jane Doe”.

On August 1, 2025, following a final round of comparative testing, it was determined that “Jane Doe” was, in fact, Linda Cecilia Haddad, born August 27, 1942 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She would have been 39 years old at the time of her death.

The breakthrough came as a result of a collaboration with Moxxy Forensic Investigations, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization specializing in investigative genetic genealogical analysis, the McLean County Coroner's Office and the McLean County Sheriff’s Office.

By partnering with Atlanta, Georgia-based organization Genologue to sequence an existing DNA profile and Parabon NanoLabs of Reston, Virginia to conduct bioinformatics, a digital kit was developed and uploaded to the public DNA database GEDmatch. Seven of Moxxy’s

investigative genetic genealogists conducted a month-long investigation before developing a viable lead that ultimately connected Linda’s DNA profile with relatives who were able to assist in confirming her identity.

“Due to recent immigration in Linda’s ancestry from Lebanon, Ireland, and Québec, which are greatly underrepresented demographics in public DNA databases used for investigative genetic genealogical research, our team is very appreciative that some of her DNA matches were willing to assist us in sharing their family history, which helped lead us to Linda,” said Bryan Worters, assistant case lead. “This could have been a case that took years to resolve, but thanks to help from her extended family and unique ancestry, Linda was able to be identified much sooner.”

“Linda’s case is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when science, compassion, and determination come together,” said Kaycee Connelly, case lead and co-founder of Moxxy Forensic Investigations. “Despite the challenges posed by the underrepresentation of her paternal DNA, our team persevered and built a strong connection through her maternal line. We are truly honored to have helped bring her home.”

Linda’s family has been notified and has provided the following statement:

Linda grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with her parents, older sister, and golden retriever Michael. Her father brought home fish and chips every Friday evening, which her family would often eat together on the banks of the Charles River near their home. Like her mother and sister, Linda had great style and dressed elegantly. She attended the same all-girls prep school as her older sister, where she made many close friends, some of whom are still in contact with her family today. The family spent summers at their cabin in Spencer, Massachusetts, where Linda enjoyed many hours playing with her sister, swimming in the lake, and appreciating the outdoors.

Linda’s family and friends love her and have missed her greatly. We want to express our deepest gratitude to the dedicated individuals at Moxxy Forensic Investigations, McLean County Coroner’s Office and the McLean County Sheriff’s Department, who went to great lengths to identify and locate us. We also want to thank the people of Le Roy, Illinois, who helped and cared for Linda in her time of need. After 42 years of searching and wondering, we are relieved to finally have some answers.

“I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the skilled professionals at Moxxy Forensic Investigations and their partners,” said Sheriff Matt Lane. “Their expertise and dedication were instrumental in helping us bring resolution to this case and, most importantly, closure to the family and everyone impacted. I also want to recognize the outstanding investigators from both the Sheriff’s Office and the Coroner’s Office, past and present, who worked tirelessly to retrace Linda’s steps and ultimately uncover her identity. Their commitment to resolving this investigation and compassion for the victim will not be forgotten.”

​The McLean County Coroner's Office, McLean County Sheriff’s Office and Moxxy Forensic Investigations extend their deepest condolences to Linda Haddad’s loved ones and thank all who supported the efforts to raise funds to cover the costs to identify and restore her name.

The Genealogical Society of Stanislaus County will present its 2025 Fall Workshop on Saturday, Oct. 11 at Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 1600 Carver Road, Modesto.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and the registration fee is $40. There is an optional $15 luncheon, with a choice of a hero sandwich or chef salad.

The workshop is an introduction to genealogy for anyone who wants to start a family tree and begin their research. There will also be presentations for anyone who would like a refresher or pick up more resources.

Topics include Genealogy 101, information found on census records, how to organize your records, finding church records on FamilySearch, and several other topics. Check the Genealogical Society of Stanislaus County, GSSC, website for a registration form and a list of presentations. The website is stanislausgenealogy.org.

Nearly 100 faculty, staff, and community members gathered at the College of Southern Maryland’s Dr. Elaine Ryan Library in the Learning Resource Building on the La Plata Campus on September 17, 2025, to celebrate the reopening of the Southern Maryland Studies Center, a resource dedicated to preserving and sharing the region’s history.

The day’s historical significance was echoed throughout the program. With the college opening its doors on September 17, 1958, the program not only celebrated the ribbon-cutting of the Southern Maryland Studies Center but also recognized the college’s 67 years of history.

The Southern Maryland Studies Center is an archival repository and research center that seeks to collect, preserve, and provide access to materials that document the history and culture of Southern Maryland. Founded in 1976, the center includes materials about Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties, together with the southern portions of Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties. It contains more than 200 collections of manuscripts, photographs, rare books, maps, and oral histories, as well as reference books and periodicals, subject files, and microfilmed county records, church records, and local newspapers from the 18th century to the present.

CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson welcomed attendees, highlighting the community’s generosity and support of the center. Dr. Wilson noted that the renovation was made possible by a $500,000 legislative bond initiative introduced by the late Senate President Thomas V. “Mike” Miller Jr. and generous support from community leader Marianne Harms.

“Today’s program dedicates the reopening of the Southern Maryland Studies Center at the College of Southern Maryland in its new location on the lower level of this LR Building,” Dr. Wilson said. “Senator Miller’s leadership, paired with Marianne’s generosity, provided the resources necessary to complete the renovation and ensure that Southern Maryland’s stories, records, and cultural treasures remain accessible for generations to come.”

Dr. Wilson also recognized Sally Barley, a devoted champion of CSM and former trustee, whose passion for preserving Southern Maryland’s history shaped the center from its earliest days. “Sally served as the center’s very first archivist, laying the foundation for the treasured collections we preserve and share today. When she passed away in 2022, Sally ensured that her commitment to CSM and our community would continue by remembering the college in her estate. Her generosity through this legacy gift helped make today possible,” said Wilson.

Melanie Miller, daughter of the late senator, attended the ribbon-cutting. Dr. Wilson thanked her for helping make the project possible, and recognized Dr. Stephanie McCaslin, dean of Learning Resources, for her leadership.

Trustee Emeritus Wm. Daniel Mayer reflected on his journey with the college that began in 1959, when he enrolled in the second class of what was then called Charles County Junior College. After graduating in 1962, he went on to the University of Maryland and then the Army. Upon his return, he helped establish both the alumni association and the CSM Foundation. His service included 15 years as a trustee, as well as roles as a county commissioner and state delegate, where he advocated for the growth of the college. “This College from its very first day of classes in 1958 has been all about providing access for our local communities,” Mayer said.

Delegate Edith Patterson, chair of the Southern Maryland Delegation, brought greetings on behalf of the delegation. Patterson previously served at the college as a counselor from 1974 to 1991 and as the Director of Educational Talent Search from 1991 to 2012. She recalled the old center as just a room in the corner of the library, but noted the commitment of Sally Barley, who worked to make sure history remained relevant in the region.

Trustee Emeritus Dorothea Smith described the renovation as a dream come true, where research developed through collaborations of the African-American heritage Society, Charles County Retired School Personnel Association, Charles County Planning and Growth Management, Southern Maryland National Heritage, and Maryland historical trustees can be housed for public access. She noted that what was once “a cubbyhole overflowing with materials” has become a proper space with ventilation, climate controls, and staff support to help unearth the region’s heritage.

Dr. Janice Talbert Walthour, former trustee and past president of the Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions (UCAC), recalled working with former CSM president Dr. Brad Gottfried in 2008 to donate UCAC’s oral history collection. “We were thrilled to be able to provide greater public access to the oral histories and the associated documentation that our UCAC had compiled at that time,” she said. Alma Jordan, chair of the UCAC History and Research Committee, added: “As this archive reopens its reading room today, it will be a tremendous resource for students, educators, historians, and community members alike to hear these histories. Together we can honor our shared legacies and build a greater community.”

Mark Wilkins, curator of maritime history at the Calvert Marine Museum, spoke about the importance of preserving history, citing the museum’s Bernie Fowler collection as an example. He shared that in 2014 the museum partnered with Maryland Sea Grant College and Watershed Productions to record oral histories with Senator Fowler. The collection, which also includes Fowler’s famous white shoe, is available to the public on the museum’s website. “Research is a treasure, it’s magical,” Wilkins said. “You never know where it’s going to lead you, and you really cannot find that treasure unless it’s well-organized like in a facility such as this.” The SMSC holds several of Fowler’s manuscripts and materials reflecting his environmental interests.

The program concluded with CSM Library Director Mary Johnson introducing Mallory Haselberger, archivist for the SMSC. Haselberger, a 2016 CSM alumna, curated a collection detailing the center’s history from its origins in 1976 through today. Following the program, attendees gathered in the lower level of the Learning Resource Building for the official ribbon cutting and to visit the Reading Room.

The ribbon-cutting signaled the reopening of the Southern Maryland Studies Center to patrons either through walk-in hours or by appointment. For more information, visit the SMSC website.

The Texas Historical Records Advisory Board (THRAB) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Archival Awards. THRAB has named former Vice-President for Digital Media Production at NBC5/KXAS Television Brian Hocker as the recipient of the Advocacy for Archives Award. The David B. Gracy II Award for Distinguished Archival Service has been awarded to John H. Slate of the Dallas Municipal Archives.

The Advocacy for Archives Award acknowledges an individual or organization that has made significant contributions to ensure the preservation and availability of the historical record of Texas. Brian Hocker was instrumental in helping to preserve the extensive media collection of the first television news station in Texas (NBC/5/KXAS-formerly, WBAP-TV) and ensuring the historic footage would be made available to the public. Hocker identified the University of North Texas (UNT) as a partner in this endeavor and coordinated with the University Libraries’ Special Collections to archive and digitize decades worth of footage of events in the North Texas area. He went on to serve on the UNT Libraries Advocacy Board after retirement from NBC5 and engages with various community and business groups to promote the archive.

THRAB has awarded John H. Slate the 2025 David B. Gracy II Award for Distinguished Archival Service. The award recognizes an individual or organization that has provided outstanding leadership, service and/or contributions to the archival profession in Texas. Slate began his professional career in archives in Austin and San Antonio and has served as archivist for the City of Dallas since 2000. In his current role, Slate has led by example and raised awareness about the relevance of municipal archives. The book he co-authored, Managing Local Government Archives, has become a key resource. Slate has contributed to the profession through service on committees and leadership in organizations at every level, including as a Fellow of the Society of American Archivists (SAA), the highest honor offered by that group. Slate has presented and written on archival subjects throughout the years and has generously mentored many others in the field.

THRAB congratulates the 2025 archival award recipients and will present each of the awards during Texas Archives Month in October.

About the Texas Historical Records Advisory Board (THRAB):
THRAB serves as an advisory body for historical records planning and supports efforts to preserve and provide access to archival collections throughout the state. Funding for THRAB is provided by the National Historical Publications Records Commission (NHPRC), the grant-making arm of the National Archives and Records Administration. The state archivist is appointed by the governor to preside over the nine-member board.

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The Texas State Library and Archives Commission provides Texans access to the information needed to be informed, productive citizens by preserving the archival record of Texas; enhancing the service capacity of public, academic and school libraries; assisting public agencies in the maintenance of their records; and meeting the reading needs of Texans with disabilities. For more information, visit www.tsl.texas.gov.

Unity Day is coming up in Germany, and to mark the occasion, MyHeritage is offering free access to all German historical records from October 2–6, 2025! Explore the German records for free It’s a fantastic opportunity for anyone with German family history to dig into their roots and make new discoveries. MyHeritage hosts 283 million records across 77 German collections, including vital, church, and emigration records. Some collections from key regions like Prussia, North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse, and southwestern Germany are exclusive to MyHeritage.

MyHeritage DNA’s one-swab test could connect you with relatives you never knew existed.

If you’ve ever thought about taking a DNA test to see where your heritage stems from, or to see if you have a long-lost, ideally famous, cousin you didn’t know about, then there’s no better time than the present.

MyHeritage DNA makes the process super simple. A quick cheek swab sent off in a prepaid kit is all it takes to unlock your genetic story. Within weeks, the results appear in your private online dashboard, ready to explore.

What exactly do you learn? MyHeritage DNA goes beyond a percentage breakdown. Its advanced technology analyses your genetic markers, comparing them against one of the world’s largest DNA databases. The result is a detailed picture of your heritage, including regional ethnicity estimates, migration paths and even unexpected connections that may have become lost over generations.

The real game-changer in MyHeritage DNA is its DNA-matching feature. As MyHeritage has a global network of 7.7million users, it can connect you with those relatives you never even knew existed – be it across the country or on the other side of the world (just think of all the couches you may soon be able to surf on).

Each match comes with varying degrees of closeness, from distant cousins to immediate family, and the platform makes it easy to reach out and connect safely.

In June 2006, human remains were found from a site in Sutherland, Saskatoon.

Canadian authorities have officially solved the mystery of “woman in the well” who died around 100 years ago through DNA technology.

The investigators identified the remains who they discovered in June 2006 as Alice Spence, nee Burke, by using DNA testing.

As per official reports, she was born in September 1881 and believed to move to Canada from Minnesota in 1913.

Her remains were found during the excavation of the former gas station site in 2006. The bones were discovered in a sack inside a wooden barrel that was retrieved from a well, according to Dr. Ernie Walker, a forensic anthropologist.

The well-preserved nature of remains allowed the police officials to perform DNA testing and they collected the DNA sample from hair and two teeth.

"Unknown to the individual that dropped it, a piece of cribbing of the well had broken loose and blocked the barrel from going all the way down to the bottom,” Walker said.

Law enforcement officials identified Spence after developing family histories and tracking living relatives. The search led to Spence's closest living relative, her great granddaughter, Cindy Camp.

According to police investigation, Alice’s death was not natural, in fact it was suspected to be ridden with foul play.

“We have circumstantial evidence that we believe we know who did it, but it's 100 years old. That person does not have the right to defend themselves in court today so we're going to leave it at that,” Sgt. Darren Funk said.

This “woman in the well” case is believed to be the oldest one in Canada which is solved with the help of Investigative Genetic Genealogy. 

The Mercer County Recorder’s Office is proud to announce the launch of an exciting new digital resource focused on the cemeteries of Mercer County. This project, initiated in May 2025 through a partnership with GIS students from Miami University, is now live and available to the public on the Mercer County Recorder’s website.

www.mercercountyohio.org/elected-officials/recorder

The project’s objective was to create a comprehensive and user-friendly digital tool that provides detailed information about cemeteries throughout the county. Under the guidance of Recorder Julie Peel, and with assistance from Janell Weiss of the Tax Map Office, the student-led project has been carefully reviewed and refined to meet the needs of local researchers, genealogists, and the general public.

Recorder Julie Peel

“We’re thrilled to see this project come to life. It’s a valuable resource for anyone interested in local history, genealogy, or honoring veterans. We’re grateful to the Miami University students for their hard work and to Janell for her collaboration.”

New Online Features Now Available:

Visitors to the Recorder’s website can now explore two new features:

1. Cemetery Records Search

Located under Search Records → Cemetery Records, this section includes:

• Veteran Grave Registration

• Genealogy Society Cemetery Volumes

2. Cemetery Map Search

An interactive GIS-based map is available under Search Records → Cemetery Map Search. Users can click on individual cemetery markers to access:

• Cemetery names (including alternate names)• Location details

• Direct links to resources such as Find a Grave, WPA plats, and Genealogy Society volumes

• Historical notes and interesting facts (when available)

To explore these new features, visit:

www.mercercountyohio.org/elected-officials/recorder

Daylong event Oct. 11 at Jackson Branch features four sessions on family history research and storytelling.

Sunny Jane Morton

Stark Library's Jackson Branch will present “Telling Our Stories: A Journey Through Family History” on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, offering a full day of genealogical lectures and workshops led by family-history educator Sunny Jane Morton.

Running from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event features four sessions designed to help participants dig into their roots, craft narratives and preserve family legacies. The morning begins with “A Wild Ride: Ohio River Travel Stories, Songs and Scenes” at 9:30, followed at 11 a.m. by “From Documents to Sentences to Stories: Rebuilding a Family’s Stories.” After lunch, Morton will deliver “Fable or Fact? Verifying Old Family Stories” at 1:30 p.m., and the day concludes at 3 p.m. with “Plan Your Next Family History Writing Project: Hands-on Workshop.”

Morton, content director at Your DNA Guide and a contributing editor at Family Tree Magazine, is known nationally for her expertise in genealogy research, writing and editing. She has co-authored How to Find Your Family History in U.S. Church Records, a book recognized by the National Genealogical Society for its contribution to family-history studies.

Attendees register once for the program, which covers all four lectures, but may choose to attend the sessions that fit their schedules. The event is aimed at adults and older adults interested in genealogy, memoir writing or uncovering their family stories.

More information and registration details are available at starklibrary.org.