Bristol County, Massachusetts – When a driver came across a human skeleton along the side of Interstate 195 in Fairhaven, Massachusetts in 1985, it launched an investigation to uncover the identity of the remains. After nearly four decades, the body has now been identified as Keith Olson, of Cranston, Rhode Island, who went missing in 1981, according to Bristol County authorities.
The identification of Olson, a key development in a new initiative to identify Bristol County’s unidentified bodies in unsolved crimes, was made possible through cutting-edge forensic DNA testing. This technology has provided hope for solving a variety of old cases, including high-profile ones, as it enables investigators to work with significantly degraded and contaminated DNA from crime scenes.
That optimistic sentiment is echoed by Michael Vogen of Texas-based Othram, the lab that processed the Olson case, who believes that DNA technology will drive cold cases to extinction.
The progress made in Olson’s case is part of a broader effort by District Attorney Tom Quinn’s office to solve a dozen cold cases with the help of a newly established cold case unit. This initiative also highlights the advancements in DNA technology, particularly the use of forensic genealogy to make familial connections and ultimately identify suspects or victims.
The use of DNA testing has also brought resolution in other long-standing cases in Massachusetts and beyond, including identifying the Lady of the Dunes as Ruth Marie Terry, solving the case of the Granby Girl, and securing an arrest in the case of an accused serial rapist.
Despite the advancements in DNA technology, experts and groups have expressed concerns over its rapid development, including ethical concerns about the use of DNA databases for crime control. Nonetheless, law enforcement agencies continue to leverage DNA testing to drive progress in solving cold cases.
As investigations continue, authorities are encouraging families with missing members to submit DNA samples, underscoring the ongoing commitment to resolve unsolved cases. In Bristol County alone, 10 unidentified body cases are still under investigation by the cold case unit.
In conclusion, the use of advanced DNA technology has brought new hope in solving long-standing mysteries, shedding light on cases that had remained unresolved for decades. As the investigations continue, the focus remains on leveraging every available resource to bring closure to the families affected by these unsolved cases.