Madera County, California | Advanced DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy have helped identify human remains discovered in California in 2020 as belonging to Kent Cross, a man who had been reported missing by his father in October 2016.
The identification brings an end to nearly a decade of uncertainty for Cross's family, after investigators were unable to establish his identity despite years of investigation.
Discovery of Human Remains
On April 27, 2020, hikers discovered a human skull near the McLeod Flatt trailhead in Madera County, California. The remains were found on leaf-covered ground near Willow Creek, at the bottom of a gorge approximately 1.5 miles from the trailhead.
Initial examination indicated that the remains belonged to a man estimated to be between 30 and 50 years old. However, investigators could not establish his identity, and the case was subsequently registered in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) under case number UP159824.
Advanced DNA Analysis Provides a Breakthrough
In July 2026, Madera County Sheriff's Office Crime Scene Specialist Daniella Romero submitted the remains to forensic laboratory Othram for advanced DNA analysis.
Scientists at Othram employed Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to develop a comprehensive single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) profile from the remains. This genetic profile was then examined by the laboratory's forensic genetic genealogy team to identify potential genetic relatives and generate investigative leads.
In October 2026, Othram provided the investigative leads to the Madera County Sheriff's Office. Subsequent investigation, supported by additional testing conducted by the California Department of Justice Bureau of Forensic Science, confirmed that the remains belonged to Kent Cross.
Family Finally Receives Answers
Cross had been reported missing by his father in October 2016, following unsuccessful efforts to locate him. After his identity was confirmed, authorities notified his family.
According to information shared by the family, Cross frequently visited the McLeod Flatt area and considered it his "happy place."
As only his skull was recovered, investigators did not have sufficient evidence to determine his cause of death.
Forensic Significance
The case demonstrates how advanced DNA sequencing and forensic genetic genealogy can assist investigators in resolving unidentified human remains cases, particularly when conventional investigative methods have failed.
NamUs funded the forensic casework undertaken by Othram. The programme supports investigations involving missing, unidentified and unclaimed persons across the United States and its territories.
According to Othram, this marks the 93rd case in California in which its technology has assisted investigators in identifying an individual.
The identification of Kent Cross highlights the growing role of forensic genomics and genetic genealogy in bringing answers to families and helping law enforcement resolve long-standing unidentified remains cases.