Inside the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation's DNA lab, forensic scientists are dedicated to solving the mysteries of unidentified remains.
Inside the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation's DNA lab, forensic scientists work to solve the mysteries of unidentified remains to bring closure to families of missing persons. May 5, 2025 Hallie Dreyer, DNA lab supervisor, emphasized the persistence required in work.
"They are very stubborn; they are not usually willing to give up easily," said Dreyer."DNA is definitely the game changer," said Jennifer Lester, a criminal intelligence analyst with BCI. "It helps bring them answers they are looking for," she added, noting its role in reuniting families with their loved ones. Last month, in Scioto County, authorities discovered remains linked to several missing persons cases dating back 40 years. The Scioto County Sheriff's Office enlisted the bureau's help in the investigation. Dreyer explained the challenges faced when remains have been exposed to the elements for extended periods. "Sometimes remains have been out in the elements for long periods of time," said Dreyer. "And it is a little more challenging to get DNA profiles, but the forensic scientists behind me are pros.", a program designed to connect unknown individuals. "Without the DNA we have now," said Lester, "some of these cases would still be sitting." Dreyer described the excitement of making a potential identification.A notable success occurred when DNA from a skull found in Ross County in 1996 was tested, identifying the remains as World War II veteran Ward Thomas, who went missing in 1972. "They were able to bury him with veteran honors," said Lester. "They had a huge funeral, once he was identified."The forensic scientists often work with minuscule DNA samples, sometimes as small as a nanogram. Dreyer explained the lab's capabilities. "We do have a lot of tools in our arsenal at BCI, for these challenging samples, we have a lot of resources we can throw at it," she said."We are always looking out for that, what's next, what's faster that can get more DNA," said Dreyer. The ongoing advancements in forensic technology continue to aid in providing answers and bringing the missing home. "Evidence cannot speak unfortunately, that’s our job as forensic scientists," said Dreyer. "Being able to provide that to law enforcement, being able to provide that to a family, that’s what we do."
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Ohio BCI DNA lab using cutting-edge technology to solve missing person mysteriesInside the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation's DNA lab, forensic scientists are dedicated to solving the mysteries of unidentified remains.
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