Justice through genomics
Othram’s scientists are experts at recovery, enrichment, and analysis of human DNA from trace quantities of degraded or contaminated forensic evidence.
We enable human identification even when other approaches fail.
We decipher genetic identities so you can solve cases.
Othram is the first private laboratory built to apply the power of modern parallel sequencing to forensic evidence. Our scientists are experts at recovery, enrichment, and analysis of human DNA from trace amounts of degraded or contaminated materials. We help investigators break through previously impenetrable forensic DNA barriers and close previously unsolvable cases.
Solve your case
Purpose-Built for Forensics
Othram features essential infrastructure and process for testing forensic DNA evidence, including upfront DNA profile feasibility assessment, to avoid unnecessary evidence consumption, automatic human enrichment, and separate unidirectional workflows.

Optimized for Identification
Othram digitizes many types of genetic variation, powering proprietary KinSNP™ analysis, mixture deconvolution, and genealogy. These methods, in combination with the DNASolves® database and other resources, enable human ID from forensic evidence.

Secure and Accountable
Othram uniquely offers in-house processing of evidence, from DNA extraction and enrichment, to sequencing and genealogy. Our lab supports chain of custody and is staffed by seasoned forensic DNA analysts with experience testifying in court.
Recent casework
In 1989, Mary Hague Kelly's home was burgled and she was later found murdered by strangulation. Several suspects were interviewed and the case was added to VICAP.
In 2021, the Dallas County DA's Office teamed with Othram to provide new leads. Othram scientists used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to develop a profile, which Othram's in-house genealogy team then used to perform a genealogical search to produce investigative leads. These leads led to the identification of the suspect, who has been arrested and charged with capital murder.
In September 2019, human remains were in Biloxi, Mississippi. There were no clues to the unknown person’s identity, and the case was entered into NamUs in 2021.
In 2021, the Mississippi State Medical Examiner's Office, Biloxi PD, and Harrison County Coroner’s Office teamed with Othram to use Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing to generate leads that might identify the man. Othram built a profile, and leads were passed back to law enforcement. Additional investigation confirmed that the identity of the man was Gary Lee White.
In 1996, the body of a woman, later dubbed “Christmas Tree Lady”, was discovered in Virginia. Throughout investigations, her identity remained unknown.
In 2022, Fairfax Police Department detectives sent evidence to Othram and Othram scientists used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to develop a profile for the woman. The case was funded using the DNASolves crowdfunding platform. Leads were returned to the detectives, which led to the discovery that “Christmas Tree Lady” was Joyce Marilyn Meyer Sommers.
In 2019, an infant in an advanced state of decomposition was found in Missouri. Though many leads were investigated, the identity of the infant remained unknown.
In 2020, Columbia Police Department partnered with Othram to develop new leads that might help identify the infant. DNASolves crowdfunding helped cover the cost of testing for the case. Othram used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a profile for the infant. During genealogical research, Columbia PD received a tip that led to the identification of the infant and her parents.
In 2009, a partial human cranium was discovered in Washington. The case was entered into NCIC, NamUs, and CODIS. Unfortunately, there was no match.
In March 2022, Othram obtained a DNA extract that was sufficient for testing. Othram scientists used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to develop a profile that could be uploaded to genealogical databases. The Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office uploaded this profile and obtained multiple close matches, which lead to the discovery that Beckler River Doe is Alice Lou Williams.
In 1977, human remains were discovered in the Marysville Landfill in Marysville, WA. The case was entered into NCIC, NamUs, and CODIS, which failed to produce answers.
In April 2021, Othram obtained a DNA extract that was sufficient for testing. Othram scientists used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to develop a DNA profile that could be uploaded to genealogical databases. The Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office performed a genealogical search using this profile, which led to the discovery that the unidentified person was Blaine Has Tricks.
In 1974, skeletal remains were found in Florida. Many attempts were made to identify the girl, but previous attempts at genetic testing failed when CODIS provided no hits.
In 2021, The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office sent the remains to Othram in order to develop a profile that could be used to identify her. Othram’s in-house genealogy team returned investigative leads to the agency. Additional DNA testing of family members and further investigation confirmed her identity as 15-year-old Suzanne Gale Poole.
In 2022, a fire broke out in a home in Atlanta. Once the fire was contained, a victim was found in the debris, but the injuries made it challenging to determine their identity.
The Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office engaged Othram to generate new leads. Othram used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to develop a profile for the victim. A potential family member volunteered their DNA for testing; using their DNA and KinSNP® rapid family testing, investigators confirmed that the victim of the fire was Zachary Wells.
In 2018, a partially burned human skull was discovered in Bolton, MS. The case logged into NamUs but with traditional methods exhausted, the case soon went cold.
In 2021, the Mississippi State Medical Examiner's Office teamed with Othram to use Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to develop a profile from the remains. Othram scientists were able to build a profile and return investigative leads to law enforcement. A follow up investigation paired with KinSNP® rapid familial testing confirmed that the woman was Juanita Diane Roxy Coleman.
In 1976, human remains were found in North Carolina. A homicide investigation was opened, but with traditional forensic methods failing to yield answers, the case went cold.
In 2021, Chatham County Sheriff's Office and the NC Unidentified Project partnered with Othram to use Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to develop a profile from the remains. After building the profile, Othram scientists returned the profile and the investigation continued, confirming through additional testing that Chatham County John Doe's true identity was Jimmy Mack Brooks.
In 2003, skeletal remains were found in a shallow grave in CA. The victim's information was entered into NCIC and ViCAP. With few leads to work from, the case went cold.
In 2020, the Mono County Sheriff's Office teamed with Othram to use Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to generate leads. Othram scientists produced a profile and an updated ancestry assessment of the victim. Othram used KinSNP™ testing to confirm a familial relationship identified during the investigation, which led to the discovery that the victim was Isabel Sanchez Bernal.
In 2006, human skeletal remains were found near a wood pile in Missouri. A forensic facial reconstruction was commissioned, but with few leads to pursue, the case went cold.
In 2021, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, the Lincoln County Coroners' Office, and Southeast Missouri State University coordinated with Othram, where scientists used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to develop a genealogical profile. Othram KinSNP™ rapid familial testing confirmed the relationship of a close relative, which led to confirmation of the identity of the man.
In April 2020, the body of an unknown man was found in Mississippi. He was found without identification documents and there were few clues to who he might be.
In 2021, the Mississippi State Medical Examiner's office and D'Iberville PD teamed with Othram to use Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing to help generate new leads that might identify the unknown man or his kin. Once a profile was built, genealogical research produced leads that were then returned to law enforcement, who confirmed the identity of the man as Dean Jeffrey.
In 2018, skeletal remains from an unknown man were found scattered in a wooded area. Investigators were unable to determine the ancestry of the man, and the case went cold.
In 2021, the Mississippi State Medical Examiner's Office and Mississippi Bureau of Investigation teamed with Othram to use Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing to obtain leads. Remains were sent to Othram, DNA was extracted, and a profile was built. Othram geneaologists generated leads from the profile, which investigators used to confirm that the man was David E. Reed.
In 1992, human remains were discovered in a ditch. An STR profile search, several facial reconstructions, and an earlier attempt to use DNA testing failed to identify the remains.
In 2020, Boone County Sheriff's Office partnered with Othram to use Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive profile. Othram's in-house genealogy team performed a genealogical search and returned investigative leads back to Boone County Sheriff's Office, who were able to confirm the woman was Margaret Ann Sniegowski Jr. from Ohio.
Solve your case.
Forensic evidence will degrade over time. Don't lose your evidence or allow it to be consumed by inadequate testing. We work with forensic scientists, medical examiners, and law enforcement agencies to achieve results when other approaches failed. Reach out to learn how we can help you with your case.
Stay connected
with us
It may sound like magic, but it's very real! @OthramTech as been using this kind of DNA matching to solve cold cases and bring closure to real world survivors and loved ones #SVU #SVU500 pic.twitter.com/0IlxIws7Yn
— Wolf Entertainment (@WolfEnt) October 22, 2021
Remember the Rising Fawn Jane Doe? After 33 years, we have finally identified her as Stacey Lyn Chahorski of Norton Shores, Michigan. Now to find her killer. https://t.co/kLT4OC6sBv @GBI_GA @DadeGASheriff @FBIBaltimore @FBIDetroit @OthramTech @NortonShoresPD pic.twitter.com/l3ZidPKW4P
— FBI Atlanta (@FBIAtlanta) March 24, 2022
Every year, 4,400 unidentified bodies are recovered in the US. Law enforcement is working with @OthramTech to help solve some of these tragic cases using the power of #NGS. #unsolved https://t.co/z7DETq2T0c pic.twitter.com/bOQT3ElZrs
— Illumina (@illumina) June 29, 2021
Less than 5% of major crimes end in a conviction. For cold cases, that number drops to 1%. David Mittelman’s company, Othram Inc, is revolutionizing DNA sequencing and greatly reducing the number of “unsolvable” cases. This is… A Bit of Optimism. https://t.co/JHvtWOxmnF pic.twitter.com/UlVpH83YeJ
— Simon Sinek (@simonsinek) January 25, 2022
Forensic genealogy has not only been used to identify suspects & victims in criminal cases, it has also been used to exonerate the wrongly accused. This matters. It helps investigators solve violent crimes and it brings justice for survivors. @OthramTech #SVU #SVU500
— Mariska Hargitay (@Mariska) October 22, 2021
I'm leaving the press conference for this case. Othram continues to get families answers and helping investigations. After meeting the lead investigator on Sherri's case I'm confidant the homicide investigation is in good hands. https://t.co/T25X1TNFWa
— Paul Holes (@PaulHoles) November 9, 2021
Your BRILLANT work has changed our life. Although this is not the way my husband @luiscolon anticipated finding his aunt #Evelyncolon there is some PEACE in KNOWING.. Being a Houstonian myself, I am so proud ya'll are here. A million thanks to all involved!!! 😇 God Bless 💜🙏
— Dorothy Colon (@dorothycolon84) April 15, 2021
Thank you for helping bring some closure to my family, even if it's not in the way we had hoped.
— Mattie Ringwald (@payphonepirate) April 3, 2021
How it started: How it’s going: pic.twitter.com/YRsb7pxjlo
— Othram Inc. (@OthramTech) October 10, 2020