 Authorities submitted DNA from Wilson's then-unidentified remains to BCI for inclusion in the LINK Program in 2008. In December 2014, several of Wilson's family members submitted their DNA for testing after contacting BCI for assistance in locating her. BCI then coordinated with scientists at the University of North Texas who conducted mitochondrial DNA testing for comparison with unidentified DNA in the national database.
"We want Ohioans to know that BCI offers this free service to help facilitate this highly specialized DNA testing," said Attorney General DeWine. "I urge anyone with a missing family member to consider submitting their DNA to BCI for testing as part of the LINK Program because it could help bring answers."
Wilson's
cause of death was ruled undetermined, however an investigation is currently
underway by both the Holmes County Sheriff's Office and Toledo Police
Department.
"We
would have never had an identification in this case if not for the help of the
Attorney General's Office and Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation," said
Holmes County Sheriff Timothy Zimmerly.
"First and foremost we wanted to get her identified, and now we
need to find out what happened and how she ended up here."
A Montgomery
County man whose skeletal remains were found in a Dayton home in 2014 was also
identified this month through the assistance of the LINK Program.
So far,
family members of 140 missing people in Ohio have submitted their DNA for
testing as part of the LINK Program, and law enforcement and coroners have
submitted the DNA of 44 unidentified individuals who were found deceased.
The
identification of Wilson's remains marks the 30th identification made through Ohio's LINK Program since its inception.
For more
information on the LINK Program, residents and law enforcement can contact BCI
at 855-BCI-OHIO (855-224-6446).
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