Genetic Genealogy Solves Cold Case: Ottawa Man’s Unsolved Murder in Toronto Finally Cracked
Ottawa man lost for two years is finally identified in Toronto thanks to groundbreaking genetic genealogy techniques.
A man from the Ottawa region who had lost contact with his family and was later found deceased in Toronto in 2022 has finally been identified, thanks to the use of advanced genetic genealogy techniques. The case, which baffled investigators for more than two years, highlights both the challenges and breakthroughs now possible through forensic technology.
The discovery occurred on March 22, 2022, when Toronto police were called to the area near St Clarens Avenue and Dupont Street, in the city’s Junction-Wallace Emerson neighbourhood. Officers located the body of a man but found no identification on him, making the initial investigation particularly difficult. Efforts to identify the individual by comparing his fingerprints against existing police databases were unsuccessful.
Determined to solve the mystery, investigators canvassed local businesses and appealed to the public for information. Despite these efforts, no leads emerged, leaving the man's identity a mystery and his family unaware of his fate.
The turning point in the investigation came in May 2024, when Toronto police began employing Investigative Genetic Genealogy — a method that combines DNA analysis with genealogical research to trace individuals through distant relatives. By analyzing genetic material from the deceased, detectives managed to identify potential relatives living across Eastern Ontario. This led to a possible match in March of this year.
Police reached out to the man’s relatives in the Ottawa area, who explained that they had not heard from him since the onset of the pandemic. Using additional investigative steps, authorities confirmed the man's identity as Clancy, who was approximately 30 years old and originally from Ottawa. The news was delivered to his family by members of the Ottawa Police Service.
In accordance with the wishes of his family, authorities have decided not to release Clancy’s full name to the public. The case serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of unresolved disappearances and the crucial role innovative forensic strategies can play in providing closure.
Anyone possessing further information about the case or circumstances surrounding Clancy’s death is urged to contact their local authorities.
