DNA technology leads to breakthrough in case of unidentified human remains
DNA technology has helped police in Western Australia unlock the mystery behind the unidentified human remains discovered on a highway almost a decade ago.
The man's body was found along the Victorian Highway in Kununurra, about three kilometres east of Cockatoo Springs, back in June 2015.
A forensic examination confirmed the remains belonged to a man however he was unable to be identified at the time due to the state of the body.
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Recent advances in investigative genetic genealogy were able to positively identify the man as Gary John Schmidt. WA Police
This led local detectives to open an investigation in 2015, which was continued on by the missing persons team.
Recent advances in investigative genetic genealogy were able to positively identify the man as Gary John Schmidt.
Originally from the Northern Territory, the then-46-year-old was believed to be travelling around Australia prior to his death.
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Originally from the Northern Territory, the then-46-year-old was believed to be travelling around Australia prior to his death. WA Police
So far police have been unable to confirm how Schmidt died and why he was in the Kununurra area at the time, however it is believed he was potentially on his way back to the Northern Territory.
Detectives have made a public appeal for anyone that may recognise Schmidt or may have information surrounding his movements in 2015 prior to his death to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report on the Crime Stoppers Western Australia website.
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