DNA Doe Project working to identify man found in Florida in 1995
DNA testing has revealed that the unknown man was of Colombian descent
Macclenny, FL – The DNA Doe Project and the Baker County Sheriff’s Office are looking for help from the public to identify a John Doe found in 1995 in Macclenny, Florida. Research by the DNA Doe Project has now revealed that the unidentified man had Colombian heritage, and he may have been a first generation immigrant to the US.
On September 5, 1995, a dog returned to its home in Macclenny, Florida with a human skull. Just a few days later, the same dog returned to its owner with another bone, a human femur. Subsequent DNA testing confirmed that these bones belonged to the same individual, but authorities were not able to pinpoint where the dog had found these remains.
A forensic anthropologist found that the remains were of a White man who was over 25 years old at the time he died. The bones showed no evidence of trauma, and it was estimated that the man had died around six months before his remains were discovered, suggesting that he died in early 1995.
Decades later, this case was brought to the DNA Doe Project, and a team of investigative genetic genealogists has now been working on it for the past three years. Their research has uncovered new information, including the fact that Baker County John Doe was of Colombian descent.
“It’s very possible that this man was originally from Colombia”, said team co-leader, Matthew Waterfield. “He may well have family living in areas like Jacksonville, Miami or Orlando, and he likely has other relatives who still live in Colombia.”
Genealogy research has determined that the unidentified man has links to the Caldas and Antioquia regions of Colombia, while the cities of Aranzazu, Manizales and Medellín are of particular interest. Surnames in his family tree may include Ocampo, Giraldo, Ramírez or Mejía.
“We’re hoping that someone remembers a Colombian relative or friend who they haven’t heard from since the 1990s”, said Paris Major, team co-leader. “We’d encourage anyone with family or friends in Caldas or Antioquia to spread the word about this unidentified man, as we’re sure there is someone out there who misses him.”
If you think you know who this man is, or have any information that could help the DNA Doe Project identify him, please email case-tips@dnadoeproject.org or contact the Baker County Sheriff’s Office.
Description
On September 5, 1995 a dog out for a run in a wooded area along Lewis Covin Road and State Road 121 in Macclenny, Florida, returned to its owner a human skull. Days later the dog brought back a human femur. Authorities were never able to pinpoint exactly where the remains were found. The forensic anthropologist who examined the remains determined they were from a White male, over 25 years of age. The bones showed no evidence of trauma. No teeth or even root structure were present in the skull. Subsequent DNA comparison determined the bones to be from the same individual. Authorities estimate the remains had been in the woods for approximately six months after the man died, putting his death sometime in early 1995.
NamUs ID: UP2350
Date Body Found: September 5, 1995
Race: Hispanic
Gender: Male
Estimated Age: Over 25
Estimated PMI: Months
Location: Macclenny, FL
Agency of Jurisdiction
Baker County Sheriff’s Office, Detective Division
David Mancini, Lieutenant
904-259-9218
david.mancini@bakerso.com
Link to More Information
https://www.namus.gov/UnidentifiedPersons/Case#/2350
https://unidentified-awareness.fandom.com/wiki/Baker_County_John_Doe
Status: Research in Progress
Image Credit: Background photo and silhouette compliments of Jack Friess; image compiled by Jack Friess, DNA Doe Project.
Last Updated: February 10, 2025
