Natchez John Doe Identified as Kentucky Man

DNASolves uses genetic genealogy to solve 2-year-old cold case

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Skeletal remains found near a road in Natchez, Mississippi in 2024 have been identified as those of William Francis Harrington, a man from Kentucky. The remains, which were missing the head, were discovered in a shallow grave and had gone unidentified for over 2 years until forensic genetic genealogy company DNASolves was able to solve the case.

Why it matters

This case highlights the power of emerging forensic technologies like genetic genealogy to help solve long-standing cold cases and provide closure for families of missing persons. It also underscores the challenges law enforcement can face in identifying unknown remains, especially when key evidence like the victim's head is missing.

The details

In March 2024, Natchez police officers discovered the skeletal remains of an adult male buried in a shallow grave near Seargent Prentiss Drive and Fatherland Road. The remains were largely intact but the head was missing. Authorities estimated the man stood between 5'9" and 6'4" tall and may have been around 70 years old based on an identification card found nearby, but they were unable to officially identify him. After exhausting other investigative leads, the case went cold until DNASolves, a company that specializes in using genetic genealogy to solve unsolved murders and deaths, was able to identify the remains as those of William Francis Harrington, a man from Kentucky.

  • The remains were discovered in March 2024 near Natchez, Mississippi.
  • The case went unsolved for over 2 years until DNASolves identified the remains in 2026.

The players

William Francis Harrington

A man from Kentucky whose remains were identified by DNASolves after being discovered in a shallow grave near Natchez, Mississippi in 2024.

DNASolves

A company that specializes in using forensic genetic genealogy to solve unsolved murder and death investigations.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the important role that emerging forensic technologies like genetic genealogy can play in helping law enforcement solve long-standing cold cases and provide answers for grieving families. It also highlights the challenges investigators can face when key evidence is missing, underscoring the need for innovative approaches to unidentified remains cases.