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DNA Technology Identifies Man from 1980 Car Accident

A forensic scientist utilizes advanced DNA technology to solve cold cases.

News Summary

An investigation utilizing advanced DNA technology has identified the remains of Joseph Richard Murrell, a man who died in a tragic car accident in 1980. The St. Petersburg Police Department, alongside Othram, conducted advanced DNA testing to link the skeletal remains and positively identify Murrell. This case marks the 42nd successfully solved cold case in Florida using Othram’s innovative forensic technology, demonstrating significant advancements in identifying long-unidentified remains.

St. Petersburg, Florida – An extensive investigation using advanced DNA technology has successfully identified the remains of a man who died in a tragic car accident in 1980. The deceased has been confirmed as Joseph Richard Murrell, a 24-year-old who suffered fatal injuries on August 3, 1980, when his vehicle veered off the Howard Frankland Bridge.

The St. Petersburg Police Department and the District 6 Medical Examiner’s Office collaborated with Othram, a cutting-edge forensic laboratory, to identify a skull that had been separated from the rest of Murrell’s remains. Despite the initial recovery of all evidence at the accident scene, the reason for the skull’s detachment from the skeleton remains unknown.

In 2024, forensic experts sent the skeletal remains to Othram for advanced DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy. Using their proprietary process, scientists at Othram extracted DNA from the skull and established a comprehensive DNA profile through Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing®. Genetic genealogy research led to new investigative leads that prompted a deeper investigation of potential relatives.

To confirm these relationships, investigators employed KinSNP® Rapid Relationship Testing, which compared the DNA profile to that of potential relatives. This analysis confirmed a genetic link, allowing for the successful identification of Joseph Richard Murrell.

This significant identification marks the 42nd case successfully solved in Florida utilizing Othram’s innovative technology. Othram specializes in recovering and analyzing human DNA from degraded or contaminated materials, revolutionizing how cold cases are addressed. Since its establishment in 2018, Othram has been a valuable partner to law enforcement agencies, forensic experts, and medical examiners across the country.

The Global Forensic and Justice Center in Pinellas County has played a crucial role in advancing forensic technologies, aiding ongoing efforts to solve cold cases. The advancements in forensic DNA technology allow for rapid results at crime scenes, eliminating the long wait times traditionally associated with lab processes.

Digital forensics have also gained momentum, offering more comprehensive insights and information about suspects than traditional biometrics or DNA methods. The identification of other cold cases, such as that of Sylvia June Atherton—dubbed the “Trunk Lady” after her body was found in a trunk in 1969—illustrates this progress. Atherton’s identity was confirmed over 53 years later, utilizing preserved skin and hair samples through Othram’s techniques.

Pinellas County law enforcement has effectively used home DNA testing kits to advance investigations on cold cases, contributing to significant breakthroughs, including climate-related arrests linked to a 1988 rape case. The integration of genealogy websites has sparked ongoing discussions about privacy and user consent, emphasizing the need for ethical considerations when leveraging public databases for investigative purposes.

Ongoing efforts by Othram and various law enforcement agencies include the identification of skeletal remains found in Nashville, Tennessee, and Reno, Nevada, through advanced DNA testing processes. These developments demonstrate an unwavering commitment to resolving cold cases and bringing closure to family members of those who have long been unidentified.