GREENWOOD, Ind. — Human remains recovered in Greenwood more than 30 years ago have now been identified.
In a news release, Johnson County Coroner Mike Pruitt said human remains recovered in 1993 near Interstate 65, what is now Otte Golf Course, have been identified as those of Michael Davis, of Richland County, South Carolina, who hadn't been seen by loved ones since the late 1980s.
He was in his mid-20s at the time of his death. While this case has long been suspected as a homicide, the cause and manner of Davis' death were ruled undetermined.
Pruitt said after months of emails, phone calls and help from other law enforcement agencies across the U.S. and Canada, they were able to find potential family members.
Officials said multiple DNA kits were paid for by Crime Junkie podcast founder and CEO Ashley Flowers and distributed by Othram Forensics.
Pruitt said the field was then narrowed, and positive DNA results and genealogy tracking located immediate family members. After nearly six months, an identification was confirmed.
Pruitt said this case remained cold with "no leads" until the Johnson County Coroner's Office revisited it using updated DNA and genealogy procedures.
Significant progress was made with the partnership of the Greenwood Police Department, University of Indianapolis and Othram Forensic DNA Testing Laboratory.
This is Johnson County's only known unidentified set of remains.
Authorities said Davis' family will be coming to Indiana to claim his remains.
