Body identified 4 decades after being found in Muir Woods, California

Marin County authorities have positively identified the body of a man who was found in Muir Woods National Monument more than four decades ago.

In a press release issued by the Marin County Sheriff's Department, the deceased was identified as San Francisco resident Sigvard Svensson.

Authorities said the skeletal remains of the then-unidentified individual were discovered near the Deer Park Fire Trail in Marin County, California, in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, in November 1982 Responding investigators determined the remains were those of a man approximately 5'8″ tall and likely between 60 and 70 years old. The body was found. He was wearing a white collared shirt, socks. gray shoes and a pair of size 11.5 white tennis shoes Authorities were unable to identify the man, who became known as Marin County John DOE 82-278.

Just over six years ago, in April 2018, details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), but despite considerable efforts by law enforcement investigators order to identify the man, no match was found and the case remained unsolved. due to a lack of viable leads.

Two years ago, the Marin County Sheriff's Office partnered with the California Department of Justice's Jan Bashinski Laboratory and Othram Forensics to develop a genetic profile to help identify John DOE 82-278 . Othram scientists successfully developed a DNA extract from the forensic evidence and developed a complete DNA profile of the unknown man. Othram's in-house forensic genetic genealogy team then used this profile to conduct genealogical research, providing new lines of inquiry to law enforcement.

With this new information, a follow-up investigation was conducted, leading coroner's investigators to possible relatives of the man. Reference DNA samples were collected from a potential relative and compared to the DNA profile of the unknown male. The investigation led to the positive identification of Svensson, born February 4, 1908. Svensson immigrated to the United States in 1926, arriving in New York from Sweden, eventually settling in San Francisco.

“The Marin County Sheriff's Office Coroner's Division wishes to publicly express our sincerest gratitude to the CA DOJ and Othram for their tireless efforts and assistance in this case leading to the positive identification of Mr. Svensson,” it said. the press release. “Additionally, we extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

U.S. surgeon general declares gun violence a public health crisis

Julian Assange pleads guilty to publishing US secrets

Raging floodwaters wreak havoc across Midwest