In a significant advancement for the field of forensic genealogy, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Franklin County Coroner Dr. Nate Overmire have announced the identification of skeletal remains that were discovered 36 years ago. The remains, found on November 3, 1989, along Walcutt Road in western Franklin County, have been confirmed to belong to Ernest Emerson Carter, a white male born in 1923. This identification sheds light on a cold case that had long perplexed investigators and evokes a renewed sense of closure for potential family members.
“Solving a cold case requires a combination of teamwork, cutting-edge technology, and unwavering determination, all of which were exemplified in this investigation,” remarked Attorney General Yost. He highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing such long-standing mysteries, underscoring their meaningful impact on families seeking resolution.
Dr. Overmire emphasized the ethical responsibility involved in such cases. “We believe each individual deserves dignity and respect. Our patients, unable to advocate for themselves, depend on us to represent them. Our dedicated team, alongside the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and community partners, has leveraged science to solve this enduring enigma,” he stated, expressing pride in the collaborative effort that led to this breakthrough.
The investigation into Carter’s remains dates back to the original discovery in 1989, at which point authorities were unable to ascertain his identity. In 2000, the remains were submitted to BCI’s Project LINK, an initiative targeting unidentified remains and missing persons through DNA matching. However, these early efforts yielded no leads.
Years passed without significant progress, until the fintech nonprofit Porchlight Project took on the case last year, funding advanced forensic testing by Othram, a Texas-based company specializing in forensic DNA technology. Val Bogart, the Porchlight Project’s genetic genealogist, recognized the contributions of all parties involved, stating, “I am hopeful the identification of Mr. Carter brings long-awaited answers and a step toward closure for all involved.”
The investigative team utilized genealogical techniques to construct a family tree, ultimately identifying a male relative whose DNA provided a definitive match with Carter’s remains. “The technology available today has proven effective in delivering answers to many families entangled in uncertainties, as seen in this case,” explained Kristen Mittelman, Chief Development Officer for Othram. She reiterated the company’s commitment to collaborating with law enforcement agencies to solve cases and support families in their search for closure.
This identification not only marks a triumph in forensic genealogy but also reinforces the importance of innovative approaches in unraveling cold cases. It embodies the spirit of hope that persists within communities and families yearning for connection and resolution, ensuring that those who have passed are not forgotten.
For more detailed information, please refer to the official announcement from the Ohio Attorney General’s office.
