Human remains found in abandoned Mississippi home identified as missing Marine

JACKSON, Miss. (TCD) -- Forensic genealogists have now positively identified a man whose skeletal remains were found inside an abandoned home last year.

According to a news release from Othram Inc., in March 2023, Jackson Police Department officers went to a house on Cooper Road and located human remains. They were able to confirm that the remains were those of a male, but they could not determine any additional identifying traits. He became known as Hinds County John Doe 2023.

Officials from the Jackson Police Department, Hinds County Sheriff's Office, and other agencies sent the remains to Othram for advanced DNA testing. Scientists at Othram used genome sequencing and forensic genealogy to create a profile of the man, which ultimately led investigators to relatives of the victim.

After collecting and testing DNA samples from family members, Othram identified the man as Gary Lockhart, who was born Jan. 30, 1953. According to Othram, Lockhart was a U.S. Marine in Panama and during the Vietnam War. His daughters reported him missing 10 years ago and hired their own investigators to look for him, but Lockhart "became untraceable."

A cause of death was not revealed.

MORE:

• Mississippi Office of the State Medical Examiner, Hinds County Coroner's Office, & Jackson PD Team with Othram to Identify 2023 John Doe - Othram Inc.