Tbilisi: Hunters found human remains in a wooded Gilmer County, Georgia, on August 9, 1986. The remains were partially skeletal.
Authorities suspected animal activity had scattered the bones. An autopsy determined the cause of death as homicide.
Despite entering the case into national databases, investigators couldn’t identify the victim for decades.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office pursued multiple leads without success.
For years, the case remained unsolved, with no clear information about the victim’s identity or the circumstances of his death.
Advanced DNA Testing
In February 2024, the GBI partnered with forensic genealogy company Othram for advanced DNA testing.
Othram used a sample from the remains to develop a detailed genealogy profile.
The profile allowed investigators to search for potential relatives across the country.
Authorities traveled nationwide to contact and test possible family members for genetic matches.
Finally, they connected with relatives who identified the victim as David Clary, a North Carolina resident.
Victim Identified
Clary was in his late 20s when he was killed, according to investigators.
He had grown up in Charlotte, North Carolina, but frequently traveled to Georgia.
His family was notified of his identification in February 2025 after decades of uncertainty.
Authorities are now focusing on gathering more details about his last known movements.
This identification marks a breakthrough in a case that remained unsolved for nearly 40 years.
Ongoing Investigation
A criminal investigation into Clary’s death remains open, with authorities pursuing new leads.
Investigators are working to determine who was responsible for his murder.
They are also trying to understand the events leading up to his death.
The GBI urges anyone with information about Clary’s case to come forward.
Officials hope advancements in forensic genealogy will help solve more cold cases in the future.
