Non-profit hopes to restore dignity to victims of unsolved serial murder case

HIGHLAND HILLS, Ohio — Some modern science mixed with some old-fashioned research may help identify victims of a 1930s serial killer known as the ‘Torso Killer.’ 

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

Julie Bracker is an investigative genetic genealogist with the DNA Doe Project. The non-profit works to identify John and Jane Does.

They received an anonymous donation to help fund the exhumation and DNA decoding of victims of the cold case.

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

The bodies of the victims are buried in a potter’s field. The entrance to the cemetery is unmarked. The only sign it’s a cemetery is a large stone that sits amongst the numerous areas.

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

Two of the 10 unidentified bodies from the case have been exhumed.

“It’s a fascinating case. We’ve got victim number four. Very little is known about him. And victim number six known as the tattooed man,” said Pam Lauritzen, an executive director with the non-profit.

After nearly 100 years, the bodies were challenging to find.

“The potter’s field where they were interred. The bodies are stacked on top of each other. Finding the exact right person is a big challenge,” Lauritzen said.

They can also be difficult to get DNA from due to contamination or bones being degraded.

The organization feels confident they have the correct bodies. They will use Family Tree DNA, GED Match, and DNA Justice to compare DNA. Consumers who use those particular DNA tests allow their results to be used for law enforcement purposes.

If DNA is obtained, Bracker gets to work on trying to build a family tree.

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