Man found at Montreal River Harbour identified
DNA Doe Project resolves 2017 cold case
Montreal River Harbour, ON – Skeletonized remains found in 2017 in the Montreal River Harbour area of Ontario have been identified. Authorities are withholding the man’s name at the request of his family. The DNA Doe Project, working with the Ontario Provincial Police, resolved the case using investigative genetic genealogy, using a DNA profile developed from unidentified remains and uploaded to public databases to build a family tree for the unidentified person. Analysis of the relative matches to the DNA profile and each other is used to identify a candidate lead that is confirmed by law enforcement through traditional means like fingerprints or familial DNA comparison with close family members.
When research started, genealogists noticed that the DNA relative matches were clustered in two Canadian provinces – Ontario and Newfoundland.
Two of the identified man’s second cousins had uploaded their DNA profiles to GEDmatch, one of three DNA databases that can be used for investigative genetic genealogy. Investigators with the DNA Doe Project identified their great grandparents, and then located the correct branch of the family tree. His mother’s family were from Newfoundland, and his father’s from Ontario.
A proof of life search found no sign of the man after he was mentioned in his father’s 2004 obituary, but currency found with his remains was printed in 2016. Authorities estimated he had died up to a year and a half before his remains were found in July, 2017.
“We had the right matches to resolve this case quickly,” said team co-leader Matthew Waterfield. “Between the maternal second cousins and a few in the third cousin range on the paternal side, we were able to find his name within a couple of hours.”
The DNA Doe Project is grateful to the groups and individuals who helped solve this case: the Ontario Provincial Police, who entrusted the case to the DNA Doe Project; Astrea Forensics for sample prep and whole-genome sequencing; Kevin Lord for bioinformatics; GEDmatch Pro for providing their database; and DDP’s dedicated teams of volunteer investigative genetic genealogists who work tirelessly to bring all our Jane and John Does home.
Description:
On July 30, 2017, the skeletal remains of an adult Caucasian male were discovered in the Montreal River Harbor area on Lake Superior. The man was estimated to be between 50-100 years old and approximately 5’3” to 5’8” tall.
The following clothing and personal items were recovered with the remains:
Dark blue windbreaker jacket, size L, with orange “Direct Energy Home Services” logo on chest
Blue and white striped George collared shirt
Blue Dakota jeans, size 32 x 28
Brown and tan hiking boots
Black and yellow San Diego Chargers baseball hat
Prescription glasses
Silver, black and gold Gitano watch
A faded black Jansport backpack (appeared blue) with camping supplies, a shotgun and a Dacor hunting knife and sheath were also found nearby. He may have been traveling or hitchhiking. Canadian currency that was dated 2016 was also found among his belongings.
Date Body Found:
July 30, 2017
Race:
White/Caucasian
Sex:
Male
Estimated Age:
50-100
Estimated PMI:
unknown
Agency of Jurisdiction:
Ontario Provincial Police
Trevor Tremblay
705-856-2233
trevor.j.tremblay@opp.ca
Shelley Neufeld
705-945-6833
shelley.neufeld@opp.ca
Status: Identified
Last Updated: August 7, 2024
