LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In 1980, human remains were found in two different states along the Ohio River. 43 years later, we now know they belonged to the same person and who they were.
In September 1980, skeletal remains were discovered in Switzerland County, Indiana near the Ohio River. Just a few months later in November, skeleton remains were found in Carroll County, Kentucky, also along the Ohio River.
At the time, authorities didn't realize these remains belonged to the same person. It wasn't until 2005, through the use of DNA testing, investigators discovered both remains belonged to the same person.
However, the DNA testing was not able to identify the person at that time.
Kentucky State Police sent the remains to Othram in Woodland Texas in 2023. Othram developed a DNA extract and used Foresic-Grade Genome Sequencing to build a comprehensive DNA profile of the man.
Othram's forensic genetic genealogy team used the profile in a genetic genealogy search and handed their findings over to the Kentucky State Police.
Using the information obtained by Othram, KSP was able to locate a potential family member of the unknown person whose remains were located 43 years ago.
The potential family member agreed to meet with KSP detectives and provided a DNA test. As a result, it was determined that the remains belonged to Kenneth Linville, who was born in Louisville, Kentucky in 1939.
The cause and manner of death remains unknown. The investigation is currently ongoing.
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