DISCOVERY:
On May 6, 2016, a mushroom hunter travelling along Catacin Hollow Road near Cunningham Falls State Park discovered the partial skeletal remains of an unidentified male. The remains were approximately 500 feet from the road and were dispersed across the area.
The area where the remains were found, which is located in Thurmont, Maryland, was subsequently searched in 2018 by cadaver dogs and students from Towson University. Ribs, teeth, vertebrae and a mandible were uncovered.
AUTOPSY:
An autopsy was conducted upon the body being brought into the medical examiner’s office, where it was learnt John Doe had died approximately a few months to two years prior to being discovered. Given the state of the remains, a cause of death could not be determined.
DETAILS:
John Doe is described as either being African American or Hispanic, and is believed to have been between 16 and 19 years old. Given the state of the remains, authorities haven’t been able to determine his weight, but they believe him to have stood between 5’3″ and 5’9″.
His hair and eye colour are currently unknown, and given the remains were scattered, it’s unknown what he had been wearing at the time of his death. However, a charcoal-grey plaid men’s short sleeve George shirt was found near the body that police believe may have belonged to him.
No other evidence was discovered upon the area being searched.
RULE OUTS:
1) Dashad Laquinn Smith, who went missing from Charlottesville, Virginia on November 20, 2012.
2) Kristopher Lewis, who went missing from Boston, Massachusetts on February 4, 2014.
3) Jaime Romero, who went missing from Gaithersburg, Maryland on April 2, 2011.
CASE CONTACT INFORMATION:
John Doe’s DNA and dental records have been processed.
Those with information regarding John Doe’s identity are being asked to call the Maryland Natural Resources Police at 410-260-8888. Information can also be called into the Maryland Office of Chief Medical Examiner at 410-333-3254 or 410-903-2111.
Image Credit: NCMEC/Dr. Eve Grant
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