Family Provided Answers After Two-Decades
Police have identified the male found on the Livingston Channel shoreline 21 years ago using investigative genetic genealogy (IGG).
On May 29, 2003, a male body was recovered from the Livingston Channel Detroit River, just west of Amherstburg. He was wearing dark coloured pants, a dark shirt and a winter coat. The male was wearing mountain shoes.
As a result, members of the Essex County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) began an investigation under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB).
Over the years, several attempts have been made to identify the remains with negative results.
The male’s DNA was submitted by CIB investigators for IGG use in February 2023 to determine the male’s identity. A few months later, through genealogy support by the Toronto Police Service (TPS), a presumptive ID was determined.
In September 2024, a family member’s DNA was used to confirm that the male was 48-year-old, James Raymond Stewart of Detroit, Michigan who went missing in November 2002.
According to the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service (OFPS), the cause of death was undetermined. However, foul play was not suspected in his death.
The investigation was assisted by Essex County OPP Crime Unit, OPP Forensic Identification Services, Victim Services, TPS, the Office of the Chief Coroner (OCC) and OFPS.
“After two decades, we were finally able to provide this family with answers about James, thanks to investigative genetic genealogy. This investigative tool has proven to be invaluable, enabling law enforcement to solve even decades-old cases and offering hope to others facing similar circumstances. Its ability to connect distant relatives through DNA has transformed the landscape of historic homicide and unidentified human remains investigations,” said Detective Inspector Randy Gaynor, OPP CIB.
ABOUT OPP’S USE OF IGG
Since 2019, the OPP has integrated investigative genetic genealogy (IGG) into its investigative practices for specific types of crimes through the Historic Homicide Unit (HHU). The current focus for IGG use includes cases involving unidentified human remains, sexual assault, homicide and serious violent crimes like robberies.
To date, 23 cases have been submitted for IGG analysis. In 2024, two cases were resolved using IGG. Additionally, IGG was utilized to identify a victim in a case from 19 years ago.