Full Breakdown
Unidentified Remains: Ongoing Investigations in Wisconsin and Washington
8/31/2025, 12:12:11 PM
Discovery of Human Remains in Florence County, Wisconsin
In October 2022, human skeletal remains were discovered in a heavily wooded area of Florence County, Wisconsin, by a hunter. The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) has been investigating the case since the remains were found on October 28, 2022. Despite extensive forensic examinations, including dental assessments and soil analysis, the remains have not yet been identified. The remains are believed to belong to an adult female aged between 30 and 83 years, standing between 4’8” and 5’4” tall, and possibly of White and/or Hispanic descent. Authorities estimate that the individual had been deceased for two to fifteen years prior to the discovery.
To aid in identification, composite sketches created by forensic artists have been released. Over the past 34 months, law enforcement has utilized advanced DNA technology and compared the forensic data against national and international databases, but these efforts have not yielded any results. The investigation continues, and authorities encourage anyone with information to contact the Wisconsin DOJ or the Florence County Sheriff’s Office.
Identification of Donald Myrel Nelson in Thurston County, Washington
In a contrasting case, human remains found in Thurston County, Washington, have been positively identified as belonging to Donald Myrel Nelson, who was reported missing in February 1989. The remains were discovered on April 30, 2009, near Meadows Elementary School in Lacey, Washington. Despite initial identification challenges, advanced DNA technology facilitated the identification of Nelson's remains, resolving a cold case that spanned over three decades.
The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) collaborated with various agencies, including the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification and Othram, to identify the remains. Nelson's family has been notified, and the investigation remains open as authorities seek to determine the circumstances surrounding his death. The TCSO Cold Case Unit is actively requesting information regarding Nelson's disappearance.
Broader Implications of Unidentified Remains Cases
The cases in Wisconsin and Washington highlight the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in identifying human remains. The Wisconsin case underscores the limitations of current forensic technologies, despite advances in DNA analysis. Conversely, the successful identification of Donald Myrel Nelson illustrates the potential of modern forensic techniques to solve long-standing cold cases.
The DNA Doe Project, a nonprofit organization, has been instrumental in identifying unknown remains across the United States, emphasizing the importance of genetic genealogy in solving these cases. Their efforts reflect a growing recognition of the need for closure for families of missing persons and the dignity of identity for the deceased.
Official Statements & Responses
The Wisconsin DOJ continues to seek public assistance in identifying the remains found in Florence County, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in such investigations. In Washington, the TCSO expressed gratitude for the support received from various agencies that enabled the identification of Donald Myrel Nelson, while also acknowledging that the investigation into his death remains ongoing.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What you can do: If anyone has information about the identity of this person or their death, they should contact DCI at 608-266-1671 or the Florence County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch non-emergency number at 715-528-3346.” — Wisconsin Department of Justice
- “Critical funding to enable forensic genetic genealogy testing in this case was made possible by Governor Ferguson, Attorney General Nick Brown, and the Washington State Legislature,” — Othram
These cases reflect the complexities of forensic investigations and the critical role of community engagement in solving them.
