Three Cold Cases Solved Through DNA Technology

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Cold Case Unit, in partnership with the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner's Office and forensic genetic genealogy experts, has identified three previously unidentified decedents in separate cold cases dating back to 2005, 2011, and 2012. These identifications were made possible through advances in DNA technology, forensic genetic genealogy, and the continued dedication of investigators committed to providing answers to families.
 
William Lewis Crummey:
On September 23, 2005, deputies responded to American Used Truck Parts in Tampa after a deceased male was discovered inside the sleeper compartment of a tractor-trailer. The individual was in an advanced state of decomposition, but despite extensive investigative efforts, detectives were unable to identify him at the time.
In 2025, the HCSO Cold Case Unit reopened the investigation with the Medical Examiner's Office. A DNA profile had previously been uploaded into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), but no matches were identified. HCSO and the Medical Examiner's Office then partnered with Othram Labs, a forensic genetic genealogy laboratory.
On July 15, 2026, laboratory testing confirmed the remains belonged to Crummey after identifying family connections and obtaining a DNA sample from a sibling for comparison. Investigators located additional family members, who confirmed Crummey had not been heard from since early 2005.
 
William McClain:
On February 7, 2011, deputies responded to the area of Highland Manor Drive and North Falkenburg Road after a 911 call reported a deceased male in a wooded area. The Medical Examiner's Office determined the cause of death was natural. Despite investigative efforts, detectives were unable to determine his identity at the time.
In 2025, the HCSO Cold Case Unit and the Medical Examiner's Office reopened the case. Investigators developed a DNA profile from the remains and used the results to generate leads that identified possible extended family members. After obtaining reference DNA samples and completing comparison testing, investigators positively identified the decedent as McClain on May 27, 2026.
 
Cartis Jackson:
On September 21, 2012, deputies responded to a wooded area near the northwest corner of Bassa Street and North Street in Wimauma after a partially decomposed male was discovered. Detectives exhausted all investigative leads and were unable to identify the decedent at the time.
In 2025, the HCSO Cold Case Unit and the Medical Examiner's Office reopened the investigation. A DNA profile was developed and uploaded into CODIS; however, no matches were found. HCSO again partnered with Othram Labs to conduct forensic genetic genealogy research. In June 2026, investigators received potential family leads and obtained a DNA sample from a possible sibling for direct comparison.
On June 1, 2026, laboratory testing confirmed the decedent was Jackson, who was born in Georgia in 1946, moved to Florida with his family as an infant, and had been estranged from his family since 2005.
 
"Part of our mission is preserving the dignity of everyone in this community, including those who can no longer speak for themselves. These identifications mean three men who were once nameless now have their identities restored, and their families finally have the closure they have waited years for," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "I want to thank our Cold Case Unit, the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner's Office, and our partners at Othram Labs for their persistence and dedication to this work."
 
These identifications highlight the impact of modern forensic science and the commitment of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and its partners to resolving cases that have remained unanswered for years. Even decades later, advances in technology continue to provide long-awaited answers to families and ensure that no case is ever truly forgotten.