Mar 07, 2024

DNA test helps ID remains found in Kansas in 2017

Posted Mar 07, 2024 2:00 AM
Randy Clayton-photo courtesy Othram
Randy Clayton-photo courtesy Othram

LYON COUNTY—Law enforcement investigators have positively identified the remains of a man found in Kansas as Randy Bruce Clayton, born October 12, 1953, according to Lyon County Detective Sergeant Travis Mishle.

On April 29th, 2017, Lyon County Deputies were sent to the 2000 Block of Road 145 on the west side of Neosho Rapids for a report of a skull that had been found along the banks of the Neosho River.

Detectives responded to the scene as well and took over the investigation.

In August 2017, details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs). Over the years, Detectives diligently worked to identify the Neosho Rapids John Doe. In 2018, the case was submitted to the FBI laboratory in Quantico for DNA analysis. However, the identity of the man remained unknown.

Photo courtesy Othram
Photo courtesy Othram

In 2022, the Lyon County Sheriff's Office partnered with Othram to determine if advanced forensic DNA testing could help to identify the man. Forensic evidence was submitted to Othram scientists who successfully developed a comprehensive DNA profile for the unidentified male. Othram's forensic genetic genealogy team used the profile in a genetic genealogy search to develop new investigative leads that were returned to law enforcement.

Using the new information, Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Detectives conducted a follow-up investigation and made contact with a potential relative of the unidentified man. Follow-up DNA testing with family members confirmed the identity of the man as Randy Bruce Clayton.

The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office thanked Othram/ DNASolves.com, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, NamUs, and the Lyon County Attorney’s Office for their assistance in identifying Mr. Clayton.

The investigation into Clayton's death continues.