BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. — The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has utilized genetic genealogy to finally identify a man whose body was discovered by a fisherman two decades ago in the Atlantic Ocean.
The man, who had remained unidentified for years, was found on September 7, 2003, approximately 5 miles away from the Boynton Beach Inlet. Referred to as “Maritime John Doe” by the sheriff’s office, his DNA was entered into the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), but no matches were found.
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Thanks to advancements in forensic investigative genetic genealogy facilitated by Othram Corp., a breakthrough in the case was made. Through a kin match, the man was identified as Donald H. Kirk, who had been reported missing to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department on September 15, 2003.
Further investigation revealed that Kirk had traveled to Fort Lauderdale in 2003 and had boarded a gambling boat. At some point during the gambling cruise, he chose to end his life by jumping overboard, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
Last year, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office produced a YouTube podcast about “Maritime John Doe” as part of The Lead, a series they have been working on. The podcast episode featured Detective Cogburn discussing the case and the various clues that could potentially help identify the man.
The use of genetic genealogy in solving cold cases is a significant advancement in forensic science. By utilizing DNA and genealogical records, investigators can now identify individuals who were previously unknown, bringing closure to families and providing answers in unsolved cases.
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The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office hopes that the identification of Donald H. Kirk will bring some peace to his family and help them find closure after 20 years of uncertainty. The successful resolution of this case serves as a testament to the importance of continued advancements in forensic technology and the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies in seeking justice for victims and their families.
