Found dead in a British person Aerizona Identified over a decade ago, thanks to a leading DNA technology. The 75 -year -old Michael Hill died in February 2013 while visiting a friend in the United States, but his identity remained a mystery for 12 years.
For more than a decade, Mr. Hill was only known as “as” as “Maricopa county John Doo 2013 “. He arrived at his friend’s house, which had no belongings other than the clothes he worn, and without close relatives to identify him, his case remained unresolved.
However, researchers from both the UK and the US have now successfully restored the identity of Shri Hill using the investigation-stream method, called the investigative genetic genealogy (IGG). This innovative technology combines advanced DNA analysis with broad genealogy discoveries, through this process the UK citizen has been identified for the first time.
The resolution of the case of Shri Hill has been seen as a “historical milestone” in forensic identity. Experts believe that this success can pave the way for widely adopting IGG devices in the UK, possibly leading to closure of many other long -term unintended cases.
Dr. Craig Patterson, who led the work Sheffield hallm universitySaid: “The team has the privilege of solving the matter and restoring Michael’s name and identity.
“This case proves that IGG can be used to identify distant relatives in the UK and generate leads in cases that have been unresolved using other investigative techniques.
“The UK has a lot of unresolved cases where IGG can be used and we will continue working with our partners and students to ensure that this expertise will benefit more and more cases.”
The technology can help investigators identify a distant relatives of a subject while regularly DNA test Usually identifies close family members, Dr. Patterson explained.
It depends on millions of members of the public, who have conducted consumer DNA tests and David Gurni, director of the investigative genetic genealogy center at Rampo College, New Jersey, said that genetic genealogy has been discovered on platforms such as Familitridna and Gedmach.
The investigation into the case of Sri Hill was led by researchers and students at the University of Sheffield Hallm, Rampo College Investigative genetic lineage center and silverwell research in London.
The team gathered information to the police and coroner officer in Arizona organized about Mr. Hill, and the team found that Mr. Hill left his friend’s house the day he had died, and returned four hours later, complaining that he did not feel good.
He lay down in a guest bedroom, but after some time, who was convicted and became unanswered after some time.
A friend and emergency service personnel named 911 responded to the scene and the death was pronounced at that place.
Friend Shri Hill, who came in the Phoenix area, gave a name, Michael Sydney Hill and the date of birth.
But this information could not be used to confirm the identity of the hill alone.
The traditional means of identification employed by the Maricopa County Office of Medical Examinations also did not give positive results.
His person had no identity, and he had no brother -in -law, children or close relatives, who used to contact and give positive identity.
“He was still connected to some parts of the family – but there was a loss of contact,” Dr. Patterson said.
“This is much more than what you think.”
The case remained cold for more than a decade until the team managed to detect a distant cousin of Sri Hill using DNA taken from their bodies, combined with genealogical analysis.
The relative provided a DNA test and the identification of Michael Hill was finally confirmed.
“He was born in 1937, so it was difficult to find a living relative,” Dr. Patterson said.
“We are happy that it was closed.
“This is the purpose – it is to remove that uncertainty.”
IGG technology has been used mainly in the United States, CanadaAnd Australia – But researchers are expected to increase its use in the UK.
Kiren Binder, director of the IGG Certificate Program at Ramapo College, said: “The investigator was integral to resolve the genetic genealogy Sri Hill because only one lead and family, not only one lead and family, genetic genealogy research needed to restore his identity.
“DNA shared with advanced DNA testing and its distant relatives, allowed investigators to confirm their identity and make them memorable after more than twelve years as John Doe.
“The case is a historic milestone for the implementation of IGG in the UK, as Sri Hill is the first UK citizen to be identified with IGG research.”
