New Jersey researchers recently announced that the partial remains of a U.S. Marine had been discovered in a child’s rock collection. Marine Corps Captain Everett Leland Yager died in 1951 during a military training exercise in Riverside County, California. His remains were thought to have been taken back to his hometown of Palmyra, Missouri. However, a jawbone belonging to Yager was found in a child’s rock collection in Arizona years later.
The discovery of the jawbone in the child’s rock collection led to the remains being handed over to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, who then referred the case to the Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center in January 2023. Researchers used DNA analysis to confirm that the jawbone belonged to Yager. His daughter provided a DNA sample, confirming the parent/child relationship and ultimately identifying the remains as those of Capt. Everett Leland Yager, solving the mystery that had persisted for years.
The fact that the jawbone was found in Arizona, despite Yager’s accident occurring in California, puzzled university researchers. One theory suggested that a scavenger, such as a bird, picked up the bone and eventually deposited it during travels over Arizona. Another theory was that the jawbone originally belonged to the boy’s grandfather, who had found it in California and brought it back to Arizona. Regardless of how the jawbone ended up in the child’s rock collection, the discovery was a testament to the power of education and collaboration in genetic genealogy research.
The Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center hailed the successful resolution of the case as a result of the work of outstanding researchers who participated in the investigation. The team at the IGG bootcamp played a crucial role in repatriating Captain Yager’s remains and reuniting them with his family. The unexpected discovery of the marine’s remains in a child’s rock collection highlighted the importance of genetic genealogy research and the impact it can have in solving long-standing mysteries and bringing closure to families.
The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the identity of the remains as those of Capt. Everett Leland Yager after DNA analysis. His daughter, who may be his last living child, provided a DNA sample that established the parent/child relationship, confirming the identity of the jawbone found in the child’s rock collection. The discovery sheds light on the complexities and challenges of forensic investigations and genetic genealogy research, showcasing the dedication and expertise of researchers in solving cold cases and bringing closure to families.
The investigation into the discovery of a U.S. Marine’s remains in a child’s rock collection serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and collaboration in scientific research. The efforts of the investigation team at Ramapo College’s Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center led to the successful identification of the remains and the resolution of a long-standing mystery. The case underscores the power of genetic genealogy in uncovering the truth and bringing closure to families impacted by loss and tragedy, highlighting the significance of continued research and innovation in solving forensic puzzles.
