Charleston County, South Carolina, has seen its fair share of mass fatalities due to natural disasters like floods, hurricanes, and wildfires. However, there’s a growing issue that is often overlooked: unidentified remains. According to Charleston County Coroner Bobbi Jo O’Neal, there are 32 open cases of unidentified persons in the county, with many of these being partial or incomplete remains, such as a single bone or skeletal fragment. While these cases may not make the headlines, they are a significant concern for both the community and authorities.
The Challenge of Identifying Unknown Remains
The Charleston County Coroner’s Office keeps these cases open in the hope that one day they can provide answers and bring closure to families. “We try to go back and evaluate every year, is there anything new, is there anything we can do differently that we haven’t done… we don’t forget here,” says O’Neal. The office works tirelessly to identify these remains and ensure they are returned to their loved ones. If anyone has information related to these cases, they are encouraged to contact the coroner’s office at (843) 746-4030.
Notable Cases of Unidentified Remains
Some of the most prominent cases involve remains that have been discovered under mysterious circumstances. One such case involves the remains of a Black female found on August 13, 1991, near James Island County Park. The woman, believed to be between 25 and 35 years old at the time of her death, was buried face down in a creek. Despite efforts to identify her, the case remains unsolved. One unique characteristic of the remains is an extra set of ribs and six lower back bones instead of the usual five, which could provide key clues to her identity.
Another notable case involves a man found in North Charleston on May 6, 2008. The man, who went by the nickname “Max,” was approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighed around 138 pounds. Experts believe he was Hispanic and likely named Hermelindo. His remains were found under suspicious circumstances, and his identity remains unknown.
The Role of Facial Reconstructions
To assist in identifying unidentified individuals, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) creates facial reconstructions based on forensic analysis. These reconstructions rely on skull measurements to generate a likeness of the deceased, which can then be shared with the public in hopes of identifying them. While the images are not 100% accurate, they serve as valuable tools for connecting unknown remains to missing persons.
Daniel Island John Doe (2020)
One of the most recent cases is the Daniel Island John Doe discovered on December 29, 2020. The skeletal remains, which consisted of only a skull, were found in the marsh off the Wando River. Forensic experts believe the individual was an African American male between 17 and 21 years old. Given the location of the remains, O’Neal fears that the individual may not be from the local area. “What concerns us with him is that at one point we did a lot of media stuff with his picture, and we haven’t gotten any calls,” she says. The uncertainty about his origin only adds to the difficulty of identifying him.
North Charleston John Doe (2006)
The case of the North Charleston John Doe, discovered on January 14, 2006, adds another layer of complexity. A man was found dead inside a minivan parked at a rest area alongside I-26. The man, who had dark brown hair and brown eyes, appeared to be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of death. Although a Mexican voter registration card was found, the identity of the deceased remains unclear. O’Neal speculates that the man may have been part of a group of immigrants who encountered a medical emergency. The case is made more difficult by the lack of dental records or DNA evidence to confirm his identity.
Charleston County Jane Doe (1973)
One of the oldest cases involves the remains of a young woman found in 1973. The unidentified female, thought to be between 14 and 20 years old, was found in a location that is now unknown. Authorities believe that foul play may have been involved in her death, and dental records suggest that she had received treatment during her life. O’Neal expresses concern that as time passes, fewer people who might have known the woman are still alive. Additionally, due to the time lapse, the woman’s DNA may not be in current databases, making identification even more challenging.
Mount Pleasant John Doe (2006)
Another tragic case involves a skull discovered in the Wando River near Mount Pleasant on August 20, 2006. The remains, which belonged to a boy of mixed ancestry, were estimated to have been deceased for several years. Experts believe he was between 14 and 19 years old at the time of his death. Although a facial reconstruction was completed, much of the boy’s identity remains a mystery. Only the cranium was found, with no other bones recovered.
The Ongoing Search for Answers
The Charleston County Coroner’s Office continues to work on these cases in the hope of bringing closure to the families of the deceased. However, the challenges in identifying unknown remains are significant, and much more effort is needed to solve these cases. The public’s help in spreading awareness, especially through facial reconstructions and other identifying clues, remains vital in the search for answers.
