After nearly four decades of uncertainty, the remains of a young man, previously known as “Brad Doe,” have been identified as John Ingram Brandenburg, Jr., of Chicago, Illinois. This breakthrough was made possible through the efforts of the Newton County (Indiana) Coroner’s Office, Chief Deputy Prosecutor Rebecca Goddard, and the volunteer group DNA Doe Project. John’s family has been contacted and informed of their loved one’s fate, bringing some measure of closure after years of waiting.
A Cold Case Finally Solved
John Ingram Brandenburg, Jr., also known as “Johnny” to his family, was one of four young men found on an abandoned farm in rural Lake Village, Indiana, on October 18, 1983. The group had fallen victim to serial killer Larry Eyler, infamously known as the “Highway Killer.” Eyler, who died in 1994, left a trail of murdered victims across several states, terrorizing communities throughout the Midwest. Of the four bodies discovered at the crime scene, only two were identified early on in the investigation: Michael Bauer and John Bartlett. The remaining two victims were left unidentified for years, referred to as “Adam Doe” and “Brad Doe.”
The Role of Genetic Genealogy
Years of unanswered questions about “Brad Doe” ended when the DNA Doe Project, a volunteer organization that specializes in identifying unknown remains through the use of genetic genealogy, stepped in to assist. Rebecca Goddard, Chief Deputy Prosecutor for Newton County, worked alongside the project, dedicating countless hours to solving this mystery. By employing genetic genealogy, a powerful tool that combines DNA analysis and family tree research, investigators were able to trace possible relatives of “Brad Doe.”
A potential match was identified, and through the participation of family members who willingly uploaded their DNA profiles to GEDMatch, a match with a 99.59% accuracy was confirmed. This revelation ultimately revealed the identity of “Brad Doe” as John Ingram Brandenburg, Jr.
Family Notified and Closure in Sight
John’s family was swiftly and discreetly informed of his identification, bringing them a bittersweet conclusion after decades of uncertainty. The Newton County Coroner’s Office has expressed gratitude to all those involved in the process, particularly acknowledging the work of Rebecca Goddard and the DNA Doe Project. Their collaboration has been instrumental in finally bringing an end to a case that had lingered for over 37 years.
While John’s family has been notified, they have requested privacy during this difficult time as they process the news of their loved one’s fate. The Newton County Coroner’s Office is honoring this request, ensuring the family is given the time and space they need to grieve before any further details are released to the public.
The DNA Doe Project’s Impact
The identification of John Ingram Brandenburg, Jr. showcases the power of forensic science, particularly genetic genealogy, in resolving cold cases. The DNA Doe Project, a nonprofit organization, has been at the forefront of helping law enforcement agencies solve mysteries that have long stumped investigators. The organization’s ability to leverage advancements in DNA technology has brought closure to countless families, proving that no case is ever truly hopeless.
The Legacy of Larry Eyler’s Victims
Larry Eyler, responsible for the deaths of multiple young men across the Midwest, has left behind a legacy of pain for the families of his victims. Though Eyler passed away in prison in 1994, his crimes continue to echo through time as investigators work to identify all his victims. The identification of John Ingram Brandenburg, Jr. brings the total number of identified victims from the 1983 discovery to three, leaving only “Adam Doe” still unidentified. The hope remains that “Adam Doe” will also be identified, providing further closure to another grieving family.
Conclusion: A Long-Awaited Answer
The identification of John Ingram Brandenburg, Jr. underscores the importance of perseverance in forensic investigations. Even after 37 ½ years, forensic science and the dedication of those involved brought long-awaited answers to John’s family. The Newton County Coroner’s Office, along with Rebecca Goddard and the DNA Doe Project, have demonstrated that even cold cases can be solved with the right tools and collaboration. While the case is finally closed for John’s family, it is a poignant reminder of the vital role that forensic science plays in seeking justice and closure for victims and their loved ones.
