Unidentified Remains Project and Forensic Equipment Replacement

Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office (JCMEO) has dozens of unidentified remains that reside in our office at this time. Traditional methods of identification were attempted but unsuccessful.  With the development of Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG), JCMEO would like to utilize FGG technology to uncover the identities of each unidentified individual that's in their care.   When addressing future unidentified cases, funds will be utilized to identify decedents by other methods when possible before utilizing FGG. Also, equipment used to identify remains and perform standard forensic functions at JCMEO needs to be replaced or updated to keep up with demands. The impact of this project will greatly assist JCMEO staff to perform their job duties with more accuracy and efficiency for future cases, assist with relieving demands of other agencies that JCMEO utilizes, as well as bring closure to the families of the missing and unidentified.