Paulding County authorities have identified skeletal remains found over four years ago as those of Thomas Joe Kratzer, a Dallas resident reported missing in 2014. Kratzer, born January 18, 1959, was reported missing by his family on February 4, 2014, the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office confirmed, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.
Kratzer was last heard from in October 2013. Skeletal remains were discovered on September 22, 2021, by a property owner preparing land for a residential build. The remains included a skull and several other bones, with no immediate signs of trauma or personal identification found.
Initial analyses by GBI anthropologists only narrowed the remains’ age and race. In 2023, forensic DNA testing at Othram identified the remains as Thomas Joe Kratzer. The Cold Case Unit obtained funding for the testing from assets seized from a criminal enterprise, after initial difficulty due to a lack of evidence suggesting a homicide, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.
Othram's advanced DNA testing provided a presumptive DNA match to Kratzer, which was later confirmed using a comparison sample from his sister. "This identification brings long-awaited answers to the Kratzer family," Sheriff Henson stated in a comment obtained by Atlanta News First. He also highlighted the determination of the department's Cold Case Unit and the importance of modern technology in resolving such long-standing cases.
The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office continues to seek information from the public. Anyone with details about Kratzer’s case is urged to contact the Tip Line at 770-443-3047 or submit information via the Paulding Sheriff mobile app.
