Authorities are investigating a series of grave robberies at Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Pennsylvania, where skeletal remains were found in a man's basement, with suspects allegedly attempting to sell the bones. The case involves multiple mausoleums, stolen remains, and a man named Jonathan Gerlach, who was arrested during the investigation. Families of the victims are upset and speaking out about the thefts.
Researchers at Ramapo College in New Jersey used DNA analysis to positively identify the skeletal remains of Marine Corps Captain Everett Leland Yager, which were found in a child's rock collection in Arizona. Yager had died in a military training exercise in California in 1951, and his remains were thought to have been buried in Missouri. The unexpected discovery led to the repatriation of his remains to his family, and researchers theorized that a scavenger may have transported the jawbone from California to Arizona.
Skeletal remains believed to be those of 19-year-old Dylan Rounds, who went missing in 2022, were found in a remote area in Utah. James Brenner, a neighbor and squatter, led investigators to the burial site as part of a plea deal. Brenner, who had been in jail since 2022 for firearms violations, was charged with Rounds' murder in 2023. The investigation revealed DNA evidence linking Brenner to the crime, and he made false statements during interviews. The Box Elder County Sheriff's Office expressed condolences to Rounds' family and hoped they could find peace.
Fishermen using sonar equipment found a gold 1966 Chevrolet Impala at the bottom of the Illinois Pecatonica River, connected to the 1976 disappearance of two men. Human skeletal remains and personal items were also discovered, with over 100 skeletal remains recovered so far. The Winnebago County coroner stated that they are in the early stages of identifying the remains and determining if foul play was involved.
A 1966 Chevrolet Impala was recovered from the Pecatonica River, believed to be linked to the 1976 disappearance of two Freeport-area men. Skeletal remains were found at the site and along the river bank, prompting a forensic investigation to identify the individuals. The Winnebago County Sheriff's Office urges anyone with information to come forward, as they work to unravel the mystery surrounding the car and the missing persons case.
Skeletal human remains have been found in the missing persons case of Everett Hawley and Clarence Owens, who disappeared in 1976. A car linked to the two men was pulled from the Pecatonica River, and over 100 skeletal remains were found at the scene. Divers will continue to search for additional remains, and authorities are asking for public assistance in the investigation. No foul play is suspected at this point, and it will take time to determine if the remains belong to the missing men.
Researchers have identified cases of trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome) in ancient and prehistoric individuals through genetic analysis of 9,855 human genomes. The study reveals six cases of Down syndrome and one case of Edwards syndrome, with evidence of skeletal abnormalities consistent with these genetic disorders. The findings suggest that these individuals were cared for and buried with respect, indicating compassionate community attitudes towards those with genetic disorders in the past. The study highlights the potential of integrating genetic, anthropological, and archaeological data to gain insights into the prevalence and societal perceptions of genetic disorders in ancient populations.
Human skeletal remains were found just off a trail in Joshua Tree National Park, prompting an investigation by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. The identity and cause of death of the deceased are currently unknown, and authorities are seeking additional information from the public.
A study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has examined the skeletal remains of individuals who died during the 1918 flu pandemic, challenging the assumption that the virus primarily affected young, healthy adults. Researchers from McMaster University and the University of Colorado Boulder found that frail or unhealthy individuals were more vulnerable to the virus. The study analyzed the bones for lesions indicating stress or inflammation, which could have been caused by physical trauma, infection, or malnutrition. The findings highlight the impact of cultural, social, and biological circumstances on the likelihood of death during pandemics. However, the study's limitations include a lack of information on infected individuals who survived and the limited scope of the sample from Cleveland, Ohio.
Researchers from McMaster University and the University of Colorado Boulder analyzed skeletal remains from the 1918 influenza pandemic to understand the death toll. Contrary to previous assumptions, the study found that frail or unhealthy individuals were more likely to die during the pandemic than young and healthy individuals. The research team examined lesions on shinbones to determine underlying conditions and concluded that those with active lesions were the most frail. The study challenges the narrative that the pandemic disproportionately affected healthy young people and highlights the complex factors that influenced mortality during that time.
New research published in the journal PNAS challenges the long-held belief that the 1918 flu pandemic disproportionately affected healthy young adults. By examining skeletal remains, researchers found that individuals who were exposed to environmental, social, or nutritional stressors prior to the pandemic were more likely to succumb to the virus. The study highlights the importance of considering a broader range of historical perspectives and experiences, as well as the need to address socioeconomic factors and health disparities in pandemic preparedness.
The remains of a 78-year-old man who went missing in 1991 have been identified in New Hampshire after DNA testing. Benjamin Adams left his home to go for a walk and never returned. Skeletal remains discovered by a hunter in 1996 were suspected to be his, but a positive identification couldn't be made at the time. Recent DNA testing confirmed the remains belonged to Adams with a probability of relatedness of at least 99.999998%. The case highlights the state's commitment to investigating unidentified and missing persons cases.
Researchers have discovered evidence that ancient humans in southern Spain dug up and modified the skeletal remains of their ancestors, using them as tools. The remains, found at the Cueva de los Marmoles, showed intentional post-mortem modifications, including fractures and scrapes for extracting marrow and other tissues. One shinbone was modified into a tool, while a skull had been scraped, possibly for dietary or practical use. These findings suggest complex funerary behaviors and a cultural focal point for generations in the region. The practice of modifying human remains became common around 4,000 BC in the southern Iberian peninsula, but the reasons behind it remain unclear.
Skeletal remains found in Sarasota in 2007 have been identified as Jeana Burrus, a woman who was never reported missing. The investigation into her death went cold until advancements in DNA testing and genetic genealogy helped identify the remains. Jeana Burrus lived in Sarasota with her husband and son, and authorities are now seeking information on her and her husband, James Burrus. The couple had lived in Citrus County and Frederick, Maryland before moving to Sarasota. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.
Skeletal remains found at UC Berkeley's Clark Kerr Campus have been identified as those of Steven Lawrence McCreary, a Texas man who was last seen alive in 2009. The condition of the bones indicates that McCreary's death was a homicide that occurred many years ago. University police are asking anyone with information about his killing to come forward as they continue their investigation. McCreary, who was known to travel around the country, did not have a known residence in the San Francisco Bay Area and was not affiliated with the university. The building where the remains were found had been unoccupied since 1979 and is currently used for storage.
