Cold Case Victim Identified Using Investigative Genetic Genealogy
Published on November 10, 2025
Charlotte, N.C. – (Monday, November 10, 2025) – Detectives with the CMPD Cold Case Unit have identified a 2016 deceased victim using forensic investigative genetic genealogy.
On January 29, 2016, human skeletal remains were located in a wooded area near the 5800 block of University Pointe Boulevard in the University City Division. The remains were transported to the Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner’s Office where the victim was determined to be male. Due to the condition of the remains, the cause and manner of death could not be determined. There were no obvious signs of foul play. Detectives worked to identify the victim using conventional means but were unsuccessful.
In 2022, a bone sample was submitted to Othram Labs in Texas for advanced DNA testing. A genetic profile was obtained, and the victim’s profile was loaded into two consumer genealogy databases that cooperate with law enforcement, GEDmatch and Family Tree DNA. Initial research did not provide any leads.
In 2025, the CMPD Cold Case Unit partnered with Ramapo College of New Jersey Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center to perform investigative genetic genealogy research. A volunteer team of investigative genetic genealogists worked more than 6 months and logged hundreds of hours of research. Recently the team was able to provide a potential identity for the victim. Detectives contacted the family and learned their loved one had been missing since 2013. A DNA profile was obtained from a close relative and later confirmed the victim’s identity as Kenneth Robert McCarthy, born in 1961.
Mr. McCarthy was originally from New Jersey but was living in Charlotte at the time of his last contact. According to his family, he worked in the IT field for various major corporations. Mr. McCarthy’s family never stopped searching for him, and they have expressed their gratitude for the many team members who worked to identify him.
The CMPD would like to extend thanks to Othram Labs, GEDmatch, Family Tree DNA, First Genes, the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification and the Ramapo College of New Jersey Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center. Special thanks to the many volunteer investigative genetic genealogists who worked this case.
The CMPD Cold Case Unit continues to work to identify victims and return them to their families. As of today, the CMPD Cold Case Unit is still working to identify at least 8 remaining victims, whose discoveries date back to 1932.
The investigation into this case is active and ongoing. As additional information develops, it will be released by the CMPD's Public Affairs Division. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-8477 (TIPS) and speak directly to a Homicide Unit detective directly. Detective Hefner is the lead detective assigned to the case. The public can also leave information anonymously by calling Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600, using the Charlotte Crime Stoppers P3 Tips Mobile App or by visiting the Charlotte Crime Stoppers website. For additional information about this case, please refer to the report: 20160129-1841-01.
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