PALATKA, Fla. (WCJB) — Putnam County Sheriff’s deputies say they are one step closer to identifying the remains of a man found more than 40 years ago in Palatka.
Through new DNA evidence, investigators say the body is that of Patrick Nordin, 39, of Erie, Pennsylvania.
Officials say Nordin died in October 1981 from undetermined, non-violent causes. He was buried and became known as “Palatka John Doe” until now.
People with Othram, a genetics company, used his DNA to connect with Nordin’s biological sibling, who provided information about him; however, they learned Nordin was adopted as a child into another family.
Deputies are working to locate any relatives in his adoptive family so they can better understand his final moments and return his remains.
“We are asking for help in sharing this information so that hopefully a family member will see this and we can send Patrick home and provide closure for a family missing a loved one,” the sheriff’s office stated.
Sheriff DeLoach oversaw the exhumation of a John Doe. Forensic evidence gathered was submitted to Othram to determine if advanced DNA testing could help identify the man.(Putnam County Sheriff’s Office)
“We are thankful for the team at Othram and their continued diligence in helping identify these cold cases not only in our community, but also throughout the state and nation,” the sheriff’s office continued.
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