Identification of Unidentified Man from 2005 Train Incident

In 2005, a train engineer in Yabapai County, Arizona tragically spotted a man on the tracks just moments before the train collided with him, resulting in the man’s death. The Yabapai County Sheriff’s Office and the Medical Examiner’s Office launched an investigation but, despite their efforts, the man’s identity remained unknown, leaving the case cold. He became known as John Doe (2005) in Yabapai County, and his details were logged in the National Missing and Unidentified Person System as UP95329.

Fast forward to 2022, the Yabapai County Medical Examiner collaborated with Othram to utilize advanced DNA testing to identify this unknown man. Forensic evidence was sent to the Othram Institute in Woodlands, Texas. There, scientists managed to extract DNA from the remains and created a detailed DNA profile through forensic-grade genomic sequences. Othram’s forensic genetic team then used genealogy searches to identify potential relatives of the unidentified individual.

Reference DNA was obtained from possible family members and compared to John Doe’s DNA profile through Othram’s KinsNP rapid relationship test. This analysis confirmed the identity of the man as Darrin Allen Morgan, born on December 24, 1973. Morgan was 31 years old at the time of his passing and reportedly grew up in Illinois, although it’s unclear when he moved to Arizona.

The funding for Othram’s work came from the Justice (RTJ) funding program, which supports forensic genetic genealogy investigations of unidentified persons and crime victims. Nevertheless, there are still many cases that remain unresolved due to insufficient funding. Those who wish to aid in forensic genetic genealogy efforts for unidentified individuals can contribute to Dnasolves, which facilitates critical tests essential for providing families with the answers they seek.

Darrin Morgan’s case marks the 11th instance in Arizona where authorities have successfully identified individuals using technology developed by Othram. For more information on other cases resolved in Arizona, visit Dnasolves.