Inside the Ohio's Bureau of Criminal Investigation At DNA labs, forensic scientists are committed to solving the mysteries of unidentifiable remains and providing closure to the families of missing persons.
Hallie Dreyer, who leads the DNA laboratory, highlighted the perseverance needed in their profession. "These individuals are quite persistent; they typically do not surrender readily," stated Dreyer.
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At present, approximately 100 unresolved cases involving unidentified remains are awaiting identification in Ohio.
"DNA is undoubtedly the game-changer," stated Jennifer Lester, a criminal intelligence analyst at BCI. She further explained that it assists in providing the solutions they seek, highlighting its importance in reconnecting family members with their loved ones.
A few weeks ago, in Scioto County, officials uncovered human remains connected to multiple unresolved missing persons cases spanning as far back as four decades.
The Scioto County Sheriff’s Department sought assistance from the bureau during their investigation. Dreyer highlighted the difficulties encountered when human remains have been subjected to environmental conditions over prolonged durations. “Human remains can be exposed to outdoor elements for extensive stretches,” noted Dreyer. “This makes it somewhat more difficult to obtain reliable DNA profiles; however, our skilled forensic experts standing here are highly capable.”
The laboratory’s tasks involve examining DNA from both biological relatives and unidentifiable remains as part of their process. Project LINK , a initiative aimed at linking unidentified people. "If we didn’t have this DNA evidence today," Lester mentioned, "many of these cases would remain unsolved." Dreyer talked about the thrill involved in possibly confirming an identity.
"The energy surges when you secure a lead and potentially identify someone." - Hallie Dreyer
When DNA from a skull discovered in Ross County back in 1996 was analyzed, it led to the identification of the remains as those of World War II veteran Ward Thomas, who had vanished in 1972. According to Lester, “He was finally laid to rest with full military honors,” adding that they held an extensive funeral after his identity was confirmed.
Since 2021, Project LINK has opened 487 cases, closing 412 of them.
OPENED LINK CASES / CLOSED LINK CASES:
- 2021 153/126
- 2022 114 /93
- 2023 111/101
- 2024 88/75
- 2025 21/17
Forensic experts frequently deal with tiny DNA samples, occasionally as minute as a nanogram. Dreyer shed light on the laboratory’s capacities. "At BCI, we possess numerous tools in our repertoire to tackle such difficult specimens; we have many resources available to address these challenges," she stated.
The lab now using a DNA extraction robot that accelerates the process of obtaining pure DNA samples.
“We’re constantly seeking new methods and technologies that offer quicker ways to analyze more DNA,” stated Dreyer. Forensic innovations keep advancing, helping deliver resolutions and reunite families with their loved ones. “Unfortunately, evidence remains silent; it’s up to us forensic scientists to give it a voice,” he explained. “Offering this support to law enforcement agencies and comfort to families is precisely what we aim to achieve.”
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