Remains found in shallow grave in 2012 identified as man last seen in 1986, CA cops say
Remains found buried in a shallow grave in 2012 have been identified as a man last seen when his mother dropped him off at a bus stop in 1986, California deputies say.
Using forensic genetic genealogy, the remains were identified as Warren David Hawkins, the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office said in a Nov. 25 news release.
Remains found more than a decade ago
The sheriff’s office said it learned of human remains found buried in a shallow grave in the area of Piercy the morning of Oct. 30, 2012.
Responding deputies were given “a plastic bag containing human foot bones,” the sheriff’s office said. The reporting party also gave deputies photographs.
Using kayaks, detectives paddled about one-fourth of a mile to where the remains were found, deputies said.
Forensic anthropologists from the California State University, Chico, excavated the remains, which were missing a head, deputies said.
It seemed the remains “had been there for an extended time,” deputies said, adding that the recovered clothing looked to be from the 1980s.
The man’s death was ruled a homicide, deputies said.
Though investigators tried to identify the remains, the man’s name remained a mystery, and the case went cold, according to deputies.
Sights set to genetic genealogy
Then, earlier this year, deputies said they looked to forensic genetic genealogy to help identify the remains.
Genetic genealogy uses DNA testing coupled with “traditional genealogical methods” to create “family history profiles,” according to the Library of Congress. With genealogical DNA testing, researchers can determine if and how people are biologically related.
Deputies said they sent DNA evidence to Othram Inc., a forensic genetic genealogy company.
There, the company’s scientists created “a comprehensive DNA profile for the unknown man,” deputies said.
Othram’s forensic genetic genealogy team used this profile for further research and provided potential leads to law enforcement, deputies said.
These leads pointed deputies to Hawkins.
Hawkins, 21, was last seen by his mother when she dropped him and an unknown man off at a bus station in July 1986, deputies said.
Through investigations, deputies learned Hawkins’ sister had reported him missing to the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office in Washington.
She provided Cowlitz County deputies with a DNA sample.
Using this DNA sample, the remains were identified as Hawkins, deputies said. An additional DNA sample from his sister confirmed the remains were Hawkins.
An investigation into Hawkins’ death is ongoing, deputies said, adding that anyone with information about the case is asked to contact them at 707-463-4086.
Piercy is about a 210-mile drive northwest from Sacramento.
This story was originally published November 25, 2024 at 3:12 PM with the headline "Remains found in shallow grave in 2012 identified as man last seen in 1986, CA cops say."
