Florida AG Launches Statewide DNA Push to Solve Cold Cases

Partnership with Othram aims to crack 21,000 unsolved homicides and unidentified remains cases

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:06pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a degraded biological sample, such as a strand of hair or a dried blood stain, dramatically lit by a harsh flash against a black background, conceptually representing the forensic evidence at the heart of Florida's cold case DNA initiative.Florida's new statewide push to crack open its backlog of unsolved homicides using advanced DNA analysis aims to provide long-awaited answers for grieving families.Boca Raton Today

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced a statewide initiative to partner with forensic lab Othram and apply advanced DNA sequencing and genetic genealogy to tackle the state's backlog of over 21,000 unsolved homicides and nearly 900 cases involving unidentified remains. The effort will initially focus on three high-profile cold cases before expanding to other judicial circuits and potentially sexual battery investigations.

Why it matters

This statewide push to leverage cutting-edge DNA technology represents a major effort by Florida law enforcement to provide long-awaited answers and closure for families who have been waiting decades for their loved ones' cases to be solved. It also highlights the growing role of private forensic labs and genetic genealogy in helping police departments make progress on even the most challenging cold cases.

The details

The Office of Statewide Prosecution is partnering with Othram, a private forensic laboratory, to re-examine stored biological evidence and chase down new leads in Florida's backlog of unsolved homicides and unidentified remains cases. The first wave will focus on three multi-circuit investigations: a 1970s case tied to Broward and Miami-Dade, a late 2000s double homicide in Miami Gardens, and an early 1980s killing in Central Florida. Othram's Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing and proprietary genealogy tools will be used to build detailed DNA profiles from degraded, mixed or otherwise difficult samples that standard STR testing cannot analyze.

  • The statewide initiative was announced on April 9, 2026.
  • The first wave of investigations will focus on three cold cases from the 1970s, late 2000s, and early 1980s.

The players

James Uthmeier

Florida Attorney General who announced the statewide partnership with Othram to tackle the state's backlog of unsolved homicides and unidentified remains cases.

Othram

A private forensic laboratory that will be applying its advanced DNA sequencing and genetic genealogy tools to help Florida law enforcement agencies solve cold cases.

David Mittelman

Founder of Othram, who stated that the cases remained unsolved not because of lack of evidence, but because the technology did not exist to properly interpret it.

Mark Glass

Commissioner of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which has previously partnered with Othram to identify human remains.

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What they’re saying

“These cases remained unsolved not because the evidence wasn't there, but because the technology didn't exist to interpret it.”

— David Mittelman, Founder, Othram

“FDLE's Key West Field Office and Forensic Services turned over every stone to identify Mr. Schlake.”

— Mark Glass, Commissioner, Florida Department of Law Enforcement

What’s next

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will screen potential evidence, coordinate the lab work with investigative follow-up, and decide which cases move to the Office of Statewide Prosecution as the effort expands across judicial circuits.

The takeaway

This statewide DNA initiative represents a major push by Florida law enforcement to leverage cutting-edge forensic technology and genetic genealogy to finally provide answers and closure for families who have been waiting decades for their loved ones' cold cases to be solved. It highlights the growing role of private labs and advanced DNA analysis in helping police departments make progress on even the most challenging unsolved crimes.