Cold Case Solved by DNA Analysis of Body Found in Chesterfield County

Chesterfield County, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - Chesterfield County Police say they have identified a man whose remains were found in a wooded area in Chesterfield County in 1990 by using DNA technology.

On May 18, 1990, officers were called to a wooded area near Point of Rocks Road where they recovered “partially skeletonized” remains of a man.

The remains were transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) for analysis. The OCME found no signs of foul play and ruled the death undetermined, according to police.

Now, 34 years later, police say they have identified the man.

“In June 2022, police began working with Othram, a private DNA lab that specializes in advanced forensic DNA testing,” a police spokesperson said. “Using Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® and genetic genealogy, Othram was able to identify potential family members of the unidentified man.”

Additional testing confirmed the remains were those of Robert L. Harris, a 55 year-old who lived in the 1400 block of Burning Tree Road in Henrico County at the time.

Harris was reported missing by his family after they last saw him on April 17, 1990. Harris' surviving family was notified that detectives were able to identify his remains and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner are now working to return his remains to the family.