The remains of an unidentified black male were discovered among a pile of concrete rubble in Arizona in the late 1980s. For decades, his identity remained unknown.
However, thanks to an investigative partnership, genetic genealogy research has uncovered that “John Doe” could possibly have Yazoo County connections.
Kaycee Connelly, with Moxxy Forensic Investigations, said investigative genetic genealogy efforts began last May in partnership with the Pima County’s Medical Examiner’s office in Arizona.
Connelly said the remains of an unidentified black male were discovered among a pile of concrete rubble on July 18, 1988, near South Campbell Avenue in Tucson, Arizona.
“Investigators determined that the man likely died as a result of a fall that caused a fatal head injury,” Connelly said. “At the time, it appeared he was experiencing homelessness and had been living in the area for several weeks before his death.”
Thanks to the fully funded partnership, Moxxy Forensic Investigations got to work to uncover who this unknown man could be. Six months later, that question is one step closer to an answer.
Genetic genealogy analysis has revealed several ancestral connections to the following areas in Mississippi, including Canton and Madison (Madison County); Yazoo City (Yazoo County); and Vicksburg (Warren County),” Connelly said. “Surnames of interest associated with this case include Robinson, Miller, and Bell. Additionally, the previous age estimate for this man was around 45 to 60 years old, but it is now believed that he was in his 30s or 40s at the time of his death. “
Both Moxxy Forensic Investigations and the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner continue to work diligently to uncover the identity of this man and return his name to him after nearly four decades.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators, particularly individuals with family ties to the listed regions or surnames, is encouraged to upload their DNA to GEDmatch if they have taken a consumer DNA test or contact Moxxy Forensic Investigations at kaycee@moxxyforensics.com.
