summary
In September 2019, detectives from the Mojave County Sheriff’s Department were called to investigate human remains in Golden Valley. Detectives were dispatched to the washroom at block 2700 of N. Ligurta Street. He mentioned the possibility that a human skull had been found. Detectives who arrived at the scene confirmed that the skull was human, discovering it had been washed up during the recent floods. With few clues, the body could not be identified.
In March 2023, detectives from the Mojave County Special Investigation Unit (SIU) contacted Osram asking for assistance. The remains were sent to Osram’s lab in Woodlands, Texas. Osram scientists developed a suitable DNA extract from the remains and built a comprehensive DNA profile using forensic-grade Genome Sequencing®. Casework costs for this case were funded by Project Grace, a charity that helps clear the backlog of unsolved cases. We are very grateful for the funding of this case and the several ongoing cases that the Mojave County Sheriff’s Office is working with Osram on.
Osram’s in-house genealogy team used that profile in a genetic genealogy search to identify new investigative leads. These leads were returned to investigators at the Mojave County Sheriff’s Office. This lead and follow-up investigation confirmed that investigators may be relatives of an unknown man, who was identified as Jordan Victor Carvalho. Due to the condition of the body when it was found, no official cause of death could be determined.
Jordan Victor Carvalho, 30, a native of Golden Valley, was reported missing by his family in September 2019 after several weeks of no contact.
Anyone with information regarding the disappearance of Jordan Carvalho is encouraged to contact the Mojave County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division. 928-753-0753 ext. 4288 and see DR#19-037765.
Michael Vogen
case management director
2829 Technology Forest Blvd Suite 100, The Woodlands, TX 77381
Michael works with law enforcement agencies across the United States and Canada on “unsolved” cases that could benefit from advanced DNA testing methods. He helps these agencies develop investigative leads in cases using his cutting-edge DNA sequencing and new forensic techniques.