FAIRHAVEN, Massachusetts – In 1985, a human skeleton was discovered along the side of Interstate 195 in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. Investigators worked tirelessly to identify the remains, creating a facial reconstruction from the skull and using other methods to piece together clues. However, they were unable to determine the identity of the victim at that time.
After nearly four decades, the mystery has finally been solved. The body has been identified as that of Keith Olson, a resident of Cranston, Rhode Island, who went missing in 1981, according to authorities in Bristol County. The identification of Olson was made possible through advanced forensic DNA testing, marking a major breakthrough in a case that had remained unsolved for years.
This newly implemented initiative aims to identify the unidentified bodies in unsolved crimes and investigations that span homicides to sexual assaults in Bristol County, Massachusetts. The efforts to solve these cases are being handled by a cold case unit in the district attorney’s office, which has already identified two bodies under this new initiative. However, despite the breakthrough in technology, old-fashioned police work still remains the cornerstone of solving these cases.
Advancements in DNA technology have also played a pivotal role in solving other long-standing mysteries, such as the identification of the victim of a 1974 murder on Cape Cod, which further exemplifies the impact of DNA testing in cold cases.
As technology continues to advance, the efforts to solve these cases are ongoing. Authorities are encouraging people with missing family members to submit DNA samples for further investigation, as there are still unidentified body cases under examination. The commitment to bringing closure to these cases is unwavering, with resources being dedicated to cataloging and resolving each investigation. This determination gives hope to families still seeking answers, knowing that the pursuit of justice will not waver.