DISCOVERY:
On February 26, 1999, the skeletal remains of an unidentified young boy were found in the wooded area of the United Methodist Church cemetery in Decatur, DeKalb County, Georgia. The area is located within a subdivision.
AUTOPSY:
An autopsy was performed upon John Doe’s remains being brought in for examination, where it was determined he had died anywhere from three to six months before being found, sometime between 1998 and early 1999.
Currently, his cause of death is unknown. Acetaminophen and anti-nausea medication were found in his system.
DETAILS:
John Doe is described as being African American, and is believed to have been between 4 to 8 years old. He stood around 3’10” to 4’2″ and weighed approximately 45 to 65 pounds. He had black hair, and due to the state of the remains, his eye colour is unknown.
When found, he was wearing a blue and navy plaid sweatshirt with a thermal hood; size three red denim jeans; and brown suede Timberland boots, size 11, which were double-knotted. It’s been noted that his clothes were clean.
Overall, it appeared John Doe had been well-cared for when alive. He was well-dressed and his oral health appeared to be in good condition. He had wide gaps between his bottom front teeth.
Authorities believe that whoever disposed of his body was familiar with the area. Forensic analysis of the bones suggests him to have been from either Florida or Georgia.
RULE OUTS:
1) Reuben Blackwell II, who went missing from Clinton, Maryland on May 6, 1996.
2) Jamaree Coleman, who went missing from Brunswick, Georgia on July 24, 1993.
3) Ashani Creighton, who went missing from Orlando, Florida on March 21, 1997.
4) DeAngelo McNeil, who went missing from Houston, Texas on April 17, 1997.
5) D’Wan Sims, who went missing from Livonia, Michigan on December 22, 1994.
6) Dorien Thomas, who went missing from Amarillo, Texas on October 26, 1998.
7) Quinn Woodfolk, who went missing from Charlottesville, Virginia on July 4, 1998.
CASE CONTACT INFORMATION:
John Doe’s dentals are DNA are currently available for comparison.
Those with information regarding the identity of John Doe are being asked to contact the DeKalb County Police Department at 404-298-8100 or the DeKalb County Medical Examiner at 404-508-3500.
Image Credit: NCMEC
Stories of the Unsolved 