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Hoover Dam Cold Case Solved
The skeletal remains found near the Hoover Dam in 2009 were identified as William Herman Hietamaki thanks to forensic genetic genealogy.
English
United States
Us PoliticsCold CaseDnaForensic ScienceGenealogyIdentification
Mohave County Sheriff’s OfficeMohave County Medical Examiner’s OfficeOthram Inc.Us Department Of JusticeUniversity Of New Haven
William Herman HietamakiHerman Hietamaki
- When and where were the remains discovered?
- The remains of William Herman Hietamaki were discovered near the Hoover Dam in 2009. After years of unsuccessful identification attempts, forensic genetic genealogy finally linked the remains to his family in 2023.
- What was determined regarding the cause of death?
- The Mohave County Medical Examiner's Office was unable to determine Hietamaki's cause of death due to the condition of his remains; however, they estimated his death occurred between 2006 and 2008.
- Which organization conducted the genetic analysis?
- Othram Inc., a Texas-based genetic lab, received grant funding to perform the forensic genetic genealogy analysis on Hietamaki's remains, leading to his identification.
- What technology played a crucial role in solving the case?
- Forensic genetic genealogy, combining DNA analysis with traditional genealogy research, was instrumental in identifying Hietamaki's remains. This emerging technology has solved numerous cold cases.
- What was known about the victim before his identification?
- Hietamaki, known for his nomadic lifestyle, was last seen by his family in New Mexico in 1995. His family reported him missing after losing contact with him.