Scottsdale John Doe case: Police hope new DNA tech can help solve the mystery

Police hope new DNA tech can help solve cold case

Advancements in genetic testing are creating new leads for a case in 2005, when a man's body was found in a canal near the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. FOX 10's Megan Spector has more.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Advancements in genetic testing are creating new leads for a John Doe case of more than two decades, and investigators are hoping that cutting-edge technology and a unique piece of jewelry the victim was wearing will breathe new life into the search for this man's identity.

The backstory:

On May 20, 2005, the body of a man was found in a canal near the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community wearing a wooden cross necklace.

"At the time that this young man was found, it was known he was probably in his late teens to mid-30s," said Cairenn Binder, Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center assistant director. "And he was assumed to be either Caucasian, Native American or Hispanic."

Big picture view:

For years, investigators only had the basics.

"With traditional DNA testing, which is called STR DNA testing, the police and medical examiners can learn a little bit about the individual. For example, whether they are male or female," Binder said.

Now, a new generation of DNA testing known as SNP DNA testing is finally bringing facts into focus.

"With this new DNA testing that was performed on this 2005 Scottsdale John Doe, we learned that he is over 90 percent indigenous," Binder said.

Dig deeper:

The testing is being done by the Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center.

"I think that that points to the reservation that he was found nearby," Binder said. "Because there could be a missing person from the Salt River Pima Indian community that could be this John Doe."

And with new info comes a renewed push for the public’s help.

"I know it’s been a long time, 20 years plus, but think back to those times and remember, is there anybody that you knew back then that you don’t know of now?" Binder said. "And have they been formally reported missing?"

What you can do:

If you have any information that could help with this case, you should contact Scottsdale Police.