RCMP’s Historical Case Unit ID’s Man After 40 Years
After extensive effort by multiple agencies both in Canada and the the United States, the Yukon RCMP Historic Case Unit (HCU) and the Yukon Coroner’s Service (YCS) have determined the identity of the human remains found near Dawson City, Yukon Territory in 1983.
In May, 1983 human remains were found in a wooded area near the North Fork Dam and Dempster Highway. Despite an extensive investigation at the time by Yukon RCMP, the identity of the human remains seen to be a adult male was never determined. The cause of deathThe cause of death refers to the specific injury, disease, or underlying condition that directly leads to an individual's demise. It is a critical determination made by medical professionals, such as Medical Examiners or Coroners, Read Full Definition was and continues to be seen as suspicious.
In 2019, the newly formed Yukon RCMP HCU began actively working on this investigation with particular emphasis on determining the man’s identity. The National DNA
DNA, or Deoxyribonucleic Acid, is the genetic material found in cells, composed of a double helix structure. It serves as the genetic blueprint for all living organisms. Read Full Definition Data
Information in analog or digital form that can be transmitted or processed. Read Full Definition Bank (NDDB) was able to obtain a DNA profile from his remains. However, no match was made despite comparison attempts made both nationally and internationally.
In the fall of 2020, Texas based Othram Inc. was contracted to conduct advanced forensic analysis. This led Yukon Investigators to begin working with the Oaklyn Police Department and New Jersey State Police on on a missing person case from their jurisdicition. In a joint effort by the University of North Texas Health Science Centre (UNTHSC) and NDDB, comparisons were done between the human remains and the missing person resulting in a match.
The human remains have been identified as Theodore Frederick Kampf, an American citizen from New Jersey. Mr. Kampf, who was 46-years old at the time, travelled from New Jersey to the Yukon in July, 1981. His family reported him missing in October after he stopped contacting them.
Investigators have continued this investigation and believe that Mr. Kampf was murdered in the same month – July 1981 by a person or persons.
Source: RCMP.
