In April 2025, NCMEC shared the breakthrough in a decades-old unidentified remains case from Cuyahoga County, OH —achieved using advanced DNA work by Astrea Forensics and genealogical experts at Innovative Forensic Investigations.
A DNA Breakthrough
The only physical evidence was rootless hair— a dead end for traditional methods. Under renewed funding from the Children’s Justice Project in October 2024, Astrea Forensics successfully extracted enough DNA to build a SNP profile.
From Profile to Identification
Astrea passed the DNA profile to Innovative Forensic Investigations, based in Virginia. They uploaded it to GEDmatch PRO, compared it to the DNA of potential relatives, and identified the individual as “Danny Mitchell,” missing since 1980.
The Faces Behind the Breakthrough
Astrea Forensics – A specialized DNA lab experienced with “difficult cases,” uniquely positioned to extract profiles from degraded or sparse biological samples
NCMEC – Coordinated evidence collection, secured vital funding, and connected the lab with investigators and families.
Innovative Forensic Investigations – Took the laboratory’s results, engaged genealogical tools, and matched the DNA with living relatives.
A Real-World Impact
The once-unidentified John Doe now has a name, a family who can finally mourn, and investigators one step closer to closure. It's a powerful reminder:
Through specialized lab work, targeted funding, and collaboration, even long-standing unidentified cases can be resolved—and families can finally get answers.