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Written by: E. George
Published July 31, 2024 @ 5:00 PM ET
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. – In a significant breakthrough in a case that had remained unsolved for nearly four years, authorities in DeKalb County, Georgia, have identified the remains of a young man found in Tucker in 2020. Thanks to advancements in DNA technology, the man has been identified as Josiah Campbell, an 18-year-old from Snellville who went missing in September 2020.
The remains were discovered in October 2020 by a lawn maintenance company behind a business parking lot in Tucker. At the time, deputies were able to ascertain that the remains belonged to a Black male approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 113 pounds.
He was also found wearing a clear stud earring. Despite these details and a sketch artist’s depiction, the man’s identity remained a mystery.
The investigation initially led to the case being added to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, but there were no immediate leads or matches. A new approach to solving the case was not employed until 2024.
DeKalb County authorities partnered with Othram, a company specializing in forensic DNA analysis, to extract DNA from the remains. This cutting-edge technology ultimately facilitated the positive identification of Josiah Campbell.
Campbell, who would have been 22 years old today, had left his home in Snellville on September 25, 2020, with plans to visit a recording studio but never returned. His disappearance had been a source of deep concern for his family and community.
The identification of Campbell’s remains brings a measure of closure to his loved ones and underscores the role of advanced forensic techniques in resolving cold cases. His case is notable as it marks the 18th time in Georgia that Othram’s DNA technology has successfully identified remains.
Authorities have not yet released additional details regarding the circumstances of Campbell’s death, but the identification marks a crucial step in the ongoing investigation. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, along with Othram and other partners, continue to work towards bringing further resolution to the case and providing answers for Campbell’s family and community.