![]() ![]() ![]() This case is a great example of the power of DNA confirmation testing, and the legitimacy these methods have in resolving unidentified human remains cases. Her remains have subsequently been released to her remaining family members. Ella Wilkins was positively identified by Oregon Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Analysis revealed a 100% probability that the remains of the unidentified female were genetically associated with the grandchild of Illya “Ella” Wilkins, DOB. Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office missing person detectives then reached out to Illya Wilkins’ grandchild, who still lives in Oregon, and collected a DNA sample for confirmation testing. Results compared to genetic profiles of numerous family lineages indicated the distinct possibility the remains were, in fact, Ms. Analysis was completed, and the DNA profile was uploaded into both FamilyTreeDNA and GEDmatch databases. Othram uses an in-house whole genome sequencing technique that can provide genetic information and possible familial associations even with a low-yield sample. ![]() In July 2022, the SMEO recognized the effectiveness of investigative genetic genealogy on cold unidentified remains cases and submitted an additional bone sample to Othram Inc., a private DNA lab that specializes in advanced forensic DNA testing. Unfortunately, no genetic associations to missing persons or family reference standards in the CODIS database were established. The sample was processed and yielded a forensic DNA profile for comparison and upload into CODIS. Nici Vance re-analyzed the remains and submitted a sample from the skull to the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification and entered the unidentified profile into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System - NamUs. In 2010, Oregon State Forensic Anthropologist Dr. These remains were long thought to be Illya Wilkins based on circumstantial evidence, but limited resources did not allow additional analysis at the time, and forensic DNA examination did not yet exist. Wilkins was known to have memory problems at the time of her disappearance in 1976. It was immediately noted that an elderly woman named Illya Wilkins had disappeared from “Baunach’s Home for the Aged” off Langensand Road in Sandy, Oregon on August 26, 1976. An examination of the remains could only determine that the individual was most probably female and of advanced age. On August 21, 1981, the remains of a partial human skull were discovered by private property owners counting trees outside of Sandy, Oregon in Clackamas County. Illya-Ella-_Wilkins_circa_1956-_2.png Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office (SMEO) assists Clackamas County Sheriff's Office in the identification of human skeletal remains discovered in 1981 (Photo) - 04/13/23 ![]()
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