the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Mahwah NJ, in a remarkable breakthrough, the Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) Center has successfully identified human remains discovered in New Jersey eight years ago as belonging to Maria Quinones Garcia, a Pennsylvania woman reported missing in 2014. This achievement underscores the pivotal role of investigative genetic genealogy in resolving long-standing mysteries and providing closure to affected families.
Discovery and Initial Investigation
On May 21, 2017, a resident in Pohatcong Township, Warren County, New Jersey, found a foot encased in a sock and shoe. Despite extensive efforts, no additional remains were located, leaving investigators with minimal leads. Traditional identification methods yielded no results, and the case remained unsolved for several years.
Collaboration with Ramapo College IGG Center
In 2023, the New Jersey State Police partnered with the Ramapo College IGG Center to leverage advanced genetic genealogy techniques. Bone samples were sent to Astrea Forensics in Santa Cruz, California, to develop a genotype profile. By March 2024, this profile was uploaded to two DNA databases, enabling students from the IGG Certificate Program to commence their analysis.
Identification Process and Outcome
Through meticulous research, the students identified Maria Quinones Garcia as a potential match. Garcia had disappeared in 2014 at the age of 54 from her home near the Lehigh River in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Notably, the Lehigh River flows into the Delaware River close to the location where the foot was found, supporting the plausibility of this connection. Subsequent DNA testing of Garcia’s children confirmed the identification.
Statements from Key Figures
Dr. David Gurney, director of the Ramapo College IGG Center, expressed, “Although the outcome for the Quinones family is tragic, we hope that Maria’s identification brings answers to her loved ones.”
Colonel Patrick Callahan, superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, commended the collaborative effort: “Thanks to the dedication of our detectives and the groundbreaking work of the students at the Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center, a decade-old mystery has been solved, bringing long-awaited answers to Maria’s family.”
About the Ramapo College IGG Center
Established as the first center of its kind globally, the Ramapo College IGG Center is dedicated to resolving cases involving violent crimes, unidentified human remains, and wrongful convictions through the ethical application of investigative genetic genealogy. Since its inception, the center has assisted in solving numerous cases, demonstrating the profound impact of combining education with real-world investigative work. ROI New Jersey+2Ramapo College of New Jersey+2FamilySearch+2
Conclusion
The identification of Maria Quinones Garcia highlights the transformative potential of investigative genetic genealogy in modern forensic science. This case not only brings closure to Garcia’s family but also exemplifies the effectiveness of academic and law enforcement collaborations in addressing unresolved cases.YouTube
Good work Ramapo College and NJ State Police