New Jersey researchers recently revealed that a U.S. Marine’s partial remains were discovered in a child’s rock collection after being missing for an unknown number of years. Marine Corps Captain Everett Leland Yager died in July 1951 during a military training exercise in Riverside County, California. Initially, all of his remains were believed to have been brought back to his hometown of Palmyra, Missouri.
Years later, a child looking to expand their rock collection found what turned out to be a human jawbone during a scavenger hunt, likely in Arizona. The skeletal remains were eventually turned over to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, who then referred the case to the Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center in January 2023. Through DNA analysis comparing the bone to a sample obtained from Yager’s daughter, researchers were able to confirm the bone belonged to Captain Yager.
Despite the accident occurring in California, the discovery of the jawbone in Arizona puzzled researchers. One theory suggested that a scavenger, such as a bird, may have picked up the remains and transported them to Arizona. Ultimately, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office revealed that the bone had originally belonged to the boy’s grandfather, who found it in California and brought it back to Arizona.
The confirmation of Captain Yager’s remains after so many years served as a testament to the dedication and expertise of the Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center. The team of researchers who worked on this case during an IGG bootcamp were instrumental in bringing closure to Yager’s family and ensuring that his remains were returned to them. The unexpected discovery highlighted the importance of DNA analysis and genetic genealogy in solving mysteries and resolving cases of unidentified remains.
This fascinating case of a Marine’s partial remains being discovered in a child’s rock collection showcased the power of DNA analysis and genetic genealogy in solving mysteries that had long remained unsolved. Despite the initial confusion surrounding the discovery, researchers were able to conclusively link the jawbone to Captain Yager after obtaining a DNA sample from his daughter. The unexpected twist of the bone being found in Arizona instead of California added a layer of intrigue to the investigation.
Through the diligent work of the Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center, the remains of Captain Yager were finally identified and returned to his family, offering closure after decades of uncertainty. The collaborative efforts of researchers, law enforcement, and the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office ultimately led to the resolution of this puzzling case. This discovery serves as a reminder of the power of genetic genealogy in unraveling mysteries and providing answers to long-standing questions.
