the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Mahwah NJ, a man once known only as “John Doe” after being found unconscious on a Phoenix sidewalk in 2004 has finally been identified — and fittingly, his real name was John.
Thanks to the groundbreaking work of the Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) Center at Ramapo College in Mahwah, the family of John Thiellesen now has long-awaited answers after two decades of uncertainty.
A Cold Case Reopened
In August 2004, Thiellesen was discovered alive but unconscious at Third Avenue and West Madison Street in Phoenix, Arizona. Emergency medical services rushed him to St. Joseph’s Hospital, where he sadly passed away on August 17, 2004.
Despite the efforts of the Phoenix Police Department, including fingerprinting and DNA testing through CODIS, John’s identity remained a mystery for over 20 years.
The Breakthrough
In September 2024, the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office reached out to Ramapo College’s IGG Center for assistance. Using advanced DNA extraction, genome sequencing, and genetic genealogy analysis, students and staff at the center pursued new leads.
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Blood samples were analyzed by Genologue in Georgia and then processed by Parabon Nanolabs in Virginia.
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In November 2024, the team uploaded genotype files to GEDmatch Pro and FamilyTreeDNA.
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By winter break, IGG staff had successfully located two third cousins of the unidentified man.
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John Thiellesen was suggested as a likely match, and DNA confirmation through a sibling provided the final proof.
A Family’s Search Ends
Thiellesen’s family had never given up. In September 2023, the Toledo Police Department had posted a missing person alert, describing John as struggling with mental health issues and possibly planning to harm himself in Ohio — a world away from where he was ultimately found.
Finally, in March 2025, Thiellesen’s identity was officially confirmed by Maricopa County investigators.
National Recognition
Investigators and officials praised the IGG Center’s efforts:
“Ramapo College has become a beacon of hope for individuals and families across the nation,” said investigator Christen Eggers.
“This case showcases the power of investigative genetic genealogy,” added Cairenn Binder, assistant director of the IGG Center.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes also celebrated the success, acknowledging the center’s critical role in solving missing persons cases nationwide.
The Impact
To date, the Ramapo College IGG Center has helped solve 28 cold cases and is actively working on 39 more. Their dedication brings closure and hope to countless families who have waited years for answers.
To learn more about the IGG Center’s ongoing work and groundbreaking impact, visit ramapo.edu/IGG.
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