Nonprofit organization hopes to identify victims of unsolved murder case

HIGHLAND HILLS, Ohio — A mix of modern science and old-fashioned research could help identify the victims of a 1930s serial killer known as the “Torso Killer.”

The almost 100-year-old case will not be without challenges.

Julie Bracker is a research genealogist with the DNA Doe Project, a nonprofit organization working to identify John and Jane Does.

They received an anonymous donation to finance the exhumation and DNA decoding of the victims of the unsolved case.

“When I think of mothers and family members missing their children and not knowing where they are, it really touches me as a mother,” Bracker said.

The bodies of the victims are buried in a pauper's cemetery. The entrance to the cemetery is not marked. The only sign that it is a cemetery is a large stone lying between the numerous areas.

“It’s about giving dignity to the people who were murdered – making sure their story is known,” Bracker said.

Two of the ten unidentified bodies from this case were exhumed.

“It's a fascinating case. We have victim number four. Very little is known about him. And victim number six is ​​known as the tattooed man,” said Pam Lauritzen, an executive director of the nonprofit.

Even after almost 100 years, it was difficult to find the bodies.

“The pauper's cemetery where they were buried. The bodies are stacked on top of each other. Finding exactly the right person is a big challenge,” said Lauritzen.

It can also be difficult to extract DNA from them due to contamination or bone decay.

The organization is confident it has the right bodies. It will use Family Tree DNA, GED Match and DNA Justice for DNA comparison. Consumers who use these special DNA tests allow their results to be used for law enforcement purposes.

If DNA is found, Bracker goes to work trying to create a family tree.

“It's an honor to be able to do this, but also a little sad that we have to disturb them. But it's also amazing what help the actual body can offer us,” she said.