DNA: ID

Episode 159 Doe ID Carl Bryant Warning: this episode explicitly addresses child abuse and murder. In 1972, the brutally beaten body of a young child was found in a shallow creek in Fairfax County, VA.  Little John Lorton Doe was unidentified and unclaimed, and was buried in a local cemetery by a church group.  Investigators over the decades never forgot the little boy, and when cold case detective Melissa Wallace took on the case, she used mere iotas of rootless hairs, cutting edge DNA technology, and IGG to identify him as four year old Carl Matthew Bryant.  But the story of Carl Bryant, killed at the hands of an abuser, became even more shocking when it was revealed that he was not the only one.    This episode of DNA ID is sponsored by Uncommon Goods; Unique and unusual gifts. Listeners of DNA ID can save 15% off their next gift by visiting our link.  To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. Follow us on social media;  find all of our social media links in one spot at our Linktree:  linktr.ee/dnaidpodcast

This is a special bonus episode based on breaking news. Serial Killer Robert Eugene Brashers has been identified as the killer in the infamous 1991 Austin Yogurt Shop Murders in Austin, Texas. In that case, four teenage girls were shot execution style before the yogurt shop was set on fire. Killed in that case were 17 year old Jennifer Harbison, and her 15 year old sister Sarah Harbison. Also killed were 17 year old Eliza Thomas, and 13 year old Amy Ayers. DNA from the crime scene was connected to Robert Eugene Brashers who we covered back in episode 104 in the murders of Sherri and Megan Scherer and Genevieve Zitricki. In this bonus episode, host Jessica Bettencourt breaks down how the Yogurt shop murders were connected to Brashers, and discusses a yet unrevealed victim he may be linked to in Kentucky. We will also replay the original Brashers episode here for listeners who may not have listened to it before, or want a refresher on just how brutal a predator Robert Eugene Brashers was.  To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. Follow us on social media;  find all of our social media links in one spot at our Linktree:  linktr.ee/dnaidpodcast

Episode 158 Mary Schlais Part 2 of 2 This is part 2; the conclusion of the Mary Schlais case. If you have not listened to part 1 yet, please stop now and go back and listen to that first.    To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. Follow us on social media;  find all of our social media links in one spot at our Linktree:  linktr.ee/dnaidpodcast

Episode 158 Mary Schlais Part 1 of 2   In one of the oldest cold case homicides solved by IGG, Mary Schlais’s shocking murder in Dunn County, WI was finally resolved.  Way back in 1974, a witness saw the killer disposing of Mary’s bloody body in a snowbank, and the killer dropped something at the scene… and yet, his identity eluded investigators for 50 years.  Dunn County investigators never gave up on Mary’s case, and when investigative genetic genealogy came along, they jumped at the opportunity, once and for all, to obtain justice for the bright, multi-lingual, artistic young equestrian who had her whole life ahead of her until it was snatched away with a few thrusts of a knife.  Finally, they had a name for the monster who stabbed Mary to death. And what they would hear from him was shocking.   To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. Follow us on social media;  find all of our social media links in one spot at our Linktree:  linktr.ee/dnaidpodcast

Episode 157 Doe ID: Darylnn Washington    In 2006, a Jane Doe was found in a vacant home on the east side of Detroit.  Police efforts to identify her were in vain, but the name of her killer soon emerged as a slew of murdered women were all linked to one man – Shelly Andre Brooks. Brooks confessed to murdering Jane Doe, but what can be done when the killer never knew his victim’s name? The answer is – investigative genetic genealogy.  An IGG analysis pointed to a close family member of Jane Doe, and testing confirmed her name as Darylnn Washington.    To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. Follow us on social media;  find all of our social media links in one spot at our Linktree:  linktr.ee/dnaidpodcast

Episode 156 Pam Conyers  In one of the oldest cases covered by DNA: ID, in 1970, 16 year old Pam Conyers vanished after an evening trip to the Harundale Mall in Ann Arundel County, MD.  There was no question that Pam had run away, and police immediately began a search for the teen.  Two days after she left the mall with her purchase, her car was found hidden in brush in a wooded median of a new highway that was being constructed, not far from her home.  Soon, her body was found nearby.  Pam had been raped and murdered, and dumped in the woods not far from the construction site.  Clues discovered at her autopsy and in her car led police to theorize that there were two perpetrators.  Whoever they were, they eluded investigators for decades.  Finally, when the Parabon genealogist used IGG, she was able to identify a suspect.  And then the FBI stepped in an identified another.    To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. Follow us on social media;  find all of our social media links in one spot at our Linktree:  linktr.ee/dnaidpodcast

Episode 155 Doe ID: Tisha Ann Dyer In 2003, human skeletal remains were found in a very remote area of Mt. Hood, Oregon.  Not much was determined about the person the scant bones belonged to, other than she was a female.  The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office attempted to identify the remains by scouring the many missing person’s cases in the area, but was unable to give a name to the deceased.  In 2020, a Parabon phenotype analysis predicted that the Jane Doe had brown hair, fair skin, and green or hazel eyes.  The Parabon genealogist used IGG to identify the bones as belonging to Tisha Ann Dyer.  Tisha was last known to be living in Portland, and was last in contact with her family in 2002.  What happened to Tisha, and how did she end up on Mt. Hood? After two decades, Tisha finally has her name back and this is her story.    To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. Follow us on social media;  find all of our social media links in one spot at our Linktree:  linktr.ee/dnaidpodcast

  Episode 154 Roger Dean Part 2 of 2 This is part 2 of the Roger Dean case. If you have not listened to part 1 yet, please stop now, and go back and listen to part 1 first. To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. Follow us on social media;  find all of our social media links in one spot at our Linktree:  linktr.ee/dnaidpodcast

Episode 154 Roger Dean Part 1 of 2   DNA: ID is back after summer hiatus with a doozy of a case!  On Thursday, November 21st, 1985, Roger Dean was seen by neighbors drinking his morning coffee in his garage.  The next thing they knew, Roger way lying in the cul de sac, shot to death.  His hysterical wife told a terrifying tale of a masked gunman, restraints, demands, a fight, gunshots.  After the dust settled, Roger’s wife and daughter ended up in police crosshairs.  They would be re-traumatized five years later when the killer resurfaced, trying to extort money from the grieving widow.  Even though witnesses had seen the gunman, and the FBI chased the extortionist all over Denver, he eluded authorities, and the case went cold.  But, the gunman had made a crucial mistake, leaving behind evidence that decades later would be used by a savvy law enforcement genealogist to identify him at long last.    This episode is sponsored by Mint Mobile; wireless service that's easy. Listeners of DNA ID qualify for the following special offer from Mint Mobile; as a new Mint Mobile customer, you will get 3 months unlimited wireless plan for just $15 a month when you use our special link to signup at mintmobile.com/DNAID. (up front payment of $45 required, limited time new customer offer for first 3 months only. Speeds may slow above 35GB on unlimited plan. Taxes and fees extra. Visit our special link above for full details.) To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. Follow us on social media;  find all of our social media links in one spot at our Linktree:  linktr.ee/dnaidpodcast

Introducing: Clues with Morgan Absher & Kaelyn Moore Join hosts Morgan Absher and Kaelyn Moore as they take you deep into the world of the most notorious crimes ever — where a single clue can crack a case wide open. From shocking murders to serial killers, Clues dives into all the forensic details and brilliant sleuthing of the world's most infamous cases. CLUES is a Crime House Original, powered by PAVE Studios. Follow and listen now wherever you get your podcasts.    

Episode 153 A conversation with former FBI agent Julia Cowley Our guest today is Julia Cowley, who retired from the FBI after 22 years at the agency.  She has a bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of Oregon and a master's degree in forensic science from The George Washington University.  Before joining the FBI, Julia was a Special Agent/Forensic Scientist with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.  When she joined the federal agency, Julia was first posted to the Boston Division. She was also a member and team leader on the Boston Division's Evidence Response Team. Julia then joined the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit, and was also assigned to the Evidence Response Team Unit. In her career as an FBI special agent, Julia investigated serial killings and sex offenses, white-collar crime, public corruption, and civil rights. She is certified in Behavioral Analysis by the FBI and was the lead FBI profiler on the Golden State Killer case.  She now hosts the hit podcast "The Consult." This is the last  episode of DNA: ID before the show goes on summer hiatus.  We’ll be back in late August with all new episodes! This episode is sponsored by Mint Mobile; wireless service that's easy. Listeners of DNA ID qualify for the following special offer from Mint Mobile; as a new Mint Mobile customer, you will get 3 months unlimited wireless plan for just $15 a month when you use our special link to signup at mintmobile.com/DNAID. (up front payment of $45 required, limited time new customer offer for first 3 months only. Speeds may slow above 35GB on unlimited plan. Taxes and fees extra. Visit our special link above for full details.) To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. Follow us on social media;  find all of our social media links in one spot at our Linktree:  linktr.ee/dnaidpodcast  

Episode 152 Danielle Houchins Part 2 of 2   This is the conclusion; part 2, of the Danielle Houchins case. If you have noy yet listened to part 1 yet, please stop now and go back and listen to that part first. This is the last regular episode of DNA: ID before the show goes on summer hiatus, with a crossover episode dropping on June 30th.  We’ll be back in late August with all new episodes!   To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. Follow us on these social media outlets: Facebook - X FormerlyTwitter - Blue Sky - Tik Tok - Twitch - Youtube - Instagram Find all of our links in one spot at our Linktree:  linktr.ee/dnaidpodcast For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch

  Episode 152 Danielle Houchins Part 1 of 2 In 1996, Danielle “Danni” Houchins was an outdoorsy 15 year old growing up in Belgrade MT. The new driver went for a solo hike at her favorite recreation area outside town, the West Cameron Bridge fishing access site, on a fall Saturday.  She did not come home. Searchers found her body face down in inches of swampy water.  The ME, coroner and sheriff ruled her death a drowning.  But the manner of death was labeled undetermined… even though injuries to Danni’s person, and forensic evidence, said otherwise.  And thus began the nearly 30 year quest for justice for Danni.  Thanks to a committed new sheriff, a dogged old-school investigator, Danni’s family, and the miracles of modern science, the beloved teen finally got the recognition she deserved, and a form of justice that everyone could live with – except her killer. This is the last regular episode of DNA: ID before the show goes on summer hiatus, with a crossover episode dropping on June 30th.  We’ll be back in late August with all new episodes!   To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. Follow us on these social media outlets: Facebook - X FormerlyTwitter - Blue Sky - Tik Tok - Twitch - Youtube - Instagram Find all of our links in one spot at our Linktree:  linktr.ee/dnaidpodcast For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch

  Listen Now: The Rise & Fall of Diddy: The Federal Trial Episode 1: The United States vs. Sean Combs Opening statements rock the courtroom as federal prosecutors accuse Sean “Diddy” Combs of running a decades-long criminal enterprise built on violence, sex trafficking, and power. The defense hits back hard, painting it all as a toxic relationship, not a RICO case. Then Cassie Ventura takes the stand, and everything changes. Her voice may be quiet. Her story is not. Listen here: https://wondery.fm/Diddy_DNA_ID  

Episode 151 Doe ID: Anthony Gulley In December, 2001, a pair of men cutting firewood in Canton, Ohio made a gruesome discovery not far off into a field from a county road. They found a skeletonized body with no identification. A medical examination concluded that the body was likely that of a young African-American woman between the ages of 22-31, and about 5”7” tall. Later DNA analysis would prove that the victim was actually Male, and not Female. By that point, valuable time and resources had been spent trying to match the victim to case of missing women. DNA and genealogy would also later reveal that the John Doe was actually, a man named Anthony Bernard Gulley who went missing on September 11, 1994 along with his car from Pontiac, Michigan. His vehicle was found burned out the next day over 200 miles away in Akron, Ohio. Police quickly uncovered a suspect in the disappearance of Anthony Gulley; a man he knew named George Frederick Washington who had an extensive criminal record. Washington died via a self inflicted gunshot wound after a shootout with police in 1994. Washington had reportedly told someone that he had killed Anthony Gulley in a hotel room and then dumped his body in a river. When Gulley's unidentified body was found on land, and not water, (and thought to be the remains of a woman), police didn't connect the discovery to Gulley. Now, Anthony Gulley has his name back, and this is his story.     To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. Follow us on these social media outlets: Facebook - X FormerlyTwitter - Blue Sky - Tik Tok - Twitch - Youtube - Instagram Find all of our links in one spot at our Linktree:  linktr.ee/dnaidpodcast For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch

Episode 150 Sarah Yarborough Part 2 of 2 This is the conclusion of the Sarah Yarborough case. If you have not yet listened to part 1, please stop now, and go back and listen to that part first.   To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. Follow us on these social media outlets: Facebook - X FormerlyTwitter - Blue Sky - Tik Tok - Twitch - Youtube - Instagram Find all of our links in one spot at our Linktree:  linktr.ee/dnaidpodcast For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch

Episode 150 Sarah Yarborough Part 1 of 2 There are some case that really grip the community, that undercut the sense of safety and security, and that make people lose their faith in humanity. The murder of Sarah Yarborough was such a case.  Sarah was just 16 years old when she was sexually assaulted and murdered in one of the places she should have felt the safest – the grounds of her high school. Not only that, but the crime happened in broad daylight, and there were witnesses who saw her killer.  It was impossible that he was not apprehended – but he wasn’t.  Despite the groundbreaking use of YDNA to identify the killer’s possible surname, the case remained unsolved for years.   When IGG finally provided answers, revealing at long last the name of the man who killed Sarah Yarborough, the Yarborough family and the community of Federal Way, WA breathed a sigh of relief. To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. Follow us on these social media outlets: Facebook - X FormerlyTwitter - Blue Sky - Tik Tok - Twitch - Youtube - Instagram Find all of our links in one spot at our Linktree:  linktr.ee/dnaidpodcast For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch

Episode 149 Doe ID: Kay Adams Medin In February 1993, a man walking along Trinidad Head; a rocky promontory beach area near the town of Trinidad in Humboldt County, California, made a shocking discovery. He found what he believed to be a piece of human skull. He contacted authorities who verified his hunch. DNA from the skull fragment would be entered into various databases in an effort to learn the identify of the donor with no luck. Years later, the skull fragment would be connected to another case through DNA. In November, 1987, the Humboldt County Sheriff's dept received an  package in the mail from an anonymous sender. It contained human skeletal remains and an accompanying letter provided directions  to more human remains near Ammon Ridge Road in Humboldt County. Investigators went to the location, and found more human remains. An examination of teeth found with the remains confirmed that they belonged to 48 year old Kay Adams Medin. She had been reported missing from her Trinity County home by her husband in August 1987. The location in Humboldt County where her remains were found is over 100 miles away from her home.  Eventually, Othram Labs did DNA work on the skull fragment found in 1993 at Trinidad Head, and their work led them to ID the skull fragment as belonging to Kay Adams Medin. That skull fragment was found 45 miles from Kay's home. It remains a mystery as to how the skull fragment wound up so far away from the rest of Kay's remains. Theories include that it was carried by flowing water, or that a large bird may have carried it. Police long suspected that Kay Adams was murdered by her husband Nikolas Medin, but they lacked the evidence to prove it. They theorize that he was the anonymous mailer of the package containing Kay's bones, and the letter directing police to more remains. They believe he only directed them to her remains, so she could be declared dead, and he could collect on her life insurance policy. Nikolas Medin died in 2018, and was never charged in connection with his wife's death.  While Kay never got the justice she deserved, she at least got her name back, and this is her story.  This week's episode is sponsored by Masterclass. MasterClass is the streaming platform that makes it possible for anyone to watch or listen to hundreds of video lessons taught by 200+ of the world’s best. Whether it be in business and leadership, photography, cooking, writing, acting, music, sports and more, MasterClass delivers a world class online learning experience. Video lessons are available anytime, anywhere on your smartphone, personal computer, Apple TV and FireTV streaming media players. Listeners of DNA ID will receive at least 15% off of their subscription when they sign up using our special show link here.     

Episode 148 Velma Nesset Part 2 of 2   This is part 2; the conclusion of the Velma Nesset case. If you have not listened to part 1 yet, please stop now and go back and listen to part 1 first.    To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription.   Follow us on these social media outlets: Facebook - X FormerlyTwitter - Blue Sky - Tik Tok - Twitch - Instagram For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch

Episode 148 Velma Nesset Part 1 of 2 64 year old Velma Nesset set out on April 19th, 1982, at 4:30 a.m. to walk to her job as a cleaning lady at the Permian Mall in Odessa, TX.  When she did not show up for work, people looked for her, and then called the police. Velma’s partially undressed body was found in a drainage culvert under the mall parking lot.  She had been stabbed, bludgeoned and raped.  The logical suspect, a mentally challenged man who worked at the mall, was tried for her murder. But after that, her case went cold.  A Texas Ranger reinvestigation in the mid 2000s isolated a male DNA profile, but the offender was not in CODIS.  When he was finally named through IGG, police tracked the man down, and he had quite a story to tell them.  According to him, he did not act alone. This week's episode is sponsored by Mint Mobile, and Masterclass. Mint Mobile; wireless coverage your way. Listeners of DNA ID will receive their first 3 months of Mint Mobile service for only $15 when they sign up using our special show link here. MasterClass is the streaming platform that makes it possible for anyone to watch or listen to hundreds of video lessons taught by 200+ of the world’s best. Whether it be in business and leadership, photography, cooking, writing, acting, music, sports and more, MasterClass delivers a world class online learning experience. Video lessons are available anytime, anywhere on your smartphone, personal computer, Apple TV and FireTV streaming media players. Listeners of DNA ID will receive at least 15% off of their subscription when they sign up using our special show link here.    To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription.   Follow us on these social media outlets: Facebook - X FormerlyTwitter - Blue Sky - Tik Tok - Twitch - Youtube - Instagram Find all of our links in one spot at our Linktree:  linktr.ee/dnaidpodcast For all things DNA: ID, visit the show's homepage Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch