After nearly two years of mystery, the remains discovered in a Knoxville wooded area have been identified, thanks to cutting-edge genetic testing and persistent forensic work. The Knox County Regional Forensic Center confirmed that the remains are those of 34-year-old Tony A. Brown Jr., found back in September 2022 on Knott Avenue. The Knoxville Police Department initially uncovered the remains without any leads on the decedent's identity.
According to the forensic center, traditional methods like radiographs and dental x-rays from missing persons records were fruitless in this case. A collaboration with a Texas-based genealogical research company, Othram Inc., finally brought a name to the unidentified individual. "No one is forgotten or neglected at the Knox County Regional Forensic Center," Chief Administrative Officer Chris Thomas stated in a statement obtained by Forensic Magazine. "We work diligently every day to try to identify every decedent and connect them with their next of kin, regardless of how long they’ve been here.”
Othram’s expertise in 'forensic genetic genealogical (FGG)' research played a crucial role in identifying Brown, as they pinpointed his ancestry and genealogical background through various techniques. This isn't the first time the forensic center has resorted to advanced DNA technology; over the past years, they have resolved dozens of cold case victims’ identities, including in a decade-old murder case, as detailed by Forensic Magazine.
Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs praised the forensic center’s staff for their unwavering determination and skill. “It's no secret that our Regional Forensic Center is an incredible county asset,” Jacobs told WATE. The forensic team's commitment to not just uncovering the causes of death but also restoring identities to the voiceless, providing closure to families lost in ambiguity, stands as a testament to their dedication to not just uncovering the causes of death but also to restoring identities to the voiceless, providing closure to families lost in ambiguity.
