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Art, tech helping officials identify remains
DeKalb County officials want to solve dozens of missing persons cases using DNA. They're offering free testing to do so Saturday. Meanwhile, officials say improving technology and the artists trained to use it have been helping officials identify the remains of missing people.
DECATUR, Ga. - DeKalb County officials are working to identify the remains of over two dozen people. They're holding an event Saturday at the Dekalb County Public Library in Decatur for the public to help them in their effort.
"For us here at the medical examiner's office, getting those individuals identified and them subsequently getting them rejoined with their families is huge for us," Patrick Bailey, DeKalb County Medical Examiner's Office Director, said.
There are 27 sets of remains still needing identification. Officials say these people may have died as a result of suspicious circumstances. The oldest cases date back to 1988.
"It's going to be a challenge, but it's not slowed us down. The team of folks from the district attorney's office have indicated if leads are pursuable they're willing to step up and take on that challenge," Bailey said.
Technology played a key role in identifying the remains of 6-year-old William Hamilton. (Supplied)
That technology played a key role in identifying the remains of 6-year-old William Hamilton. His body discovered in a DeKalb County cemetery in 1999.
Leads were cold until someone spotted his photo online through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
"They saw the last image that was done stated that that looked exactly like William and pursued letting someone know about it which is key," Bailey explained.
William's mother, Theresa Black, was charged with his murder in 2022.
Dekalb County created a Cold Case Task Force after William was identified.
DeKalb County Missing Persons Event & DNA Drive Information
Are you searching for a missing loved one, and need law enforcement's help? DeKalb County officials say they will be taking on new cases and updating existing reports this Saturday at the DeKalb County Public Library on Covington Highway.
This Missing Persons Event and DNA Drive is being hosted by the DeKalb County Medical Examiner's Office and the DA's office.
Missing Persons Event & DNA Drive flyer (Credit: DA Sherry Boston and Medical Examiner's Office)
"If you have information out there, you believe that person or folks to be missing – might have been your neighbor, might have been a school teacher, might have been someone that was relevant in your life or might have been that guy that was standing on the corner that you saw for a long period of time that you don't ever see any more – please come out," Bailey said. "Provide as much information it may be insignificant to you but it may be that one piece of the puzzle that we need."
There will also be opportunities to submit reports to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs).
Here's what you should bring:
- Photos of your missing loved one
- Photos of any tattoos they may have
- Original police reports (if possible)
- Medical documentation, or missing persons ID documents
- For families wishing to submit DNA samples, if possible, bring two family members from two different branches of your family tree (mother and father's side) for the most robust CODIS search
The Innovative Forensic Investigations, Trans Doe Task Force, The Raymond Green International Outreach of Hope, The Black and Missing Foundation, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Crimestoppers will also be in attendance.
Registration is still open. The event begins May 20 at 10 a.m. along Covington Highway.