“It’s hard not to be in awe of the DNA work that is done at the California Department of Justice, and now combined with the assistance of forensic genetic genealogy, cases that are decades old are being solved. Identifying human remains not only assists family members with closure, but in homicide investigations, it gives investigators potential new leads.”
CSLEA President Alan Barcelona
HUMBOLDT COUNTY – On April 1, 2026, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) announced the conclusion of two separate cases in which human remains that went unidentified for decades, have now been identified. In both cases, HCSO extended its gratitude to the California Department of Justice DNA Laboratory and Othram Inc. for their outstanding work and assistance in resolving each case and providing closure to family members of the deceased.
Identification of Charles Marrs
In May 1993, Charles Marrs (63 years old) fell into the Trinity River near the Big Rock River Access area in Willow Creek. A California Highway Patrol officer and Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the call. The CHP officer observed Marrs’ body floating past the north end of Clover Flat. The river was searched by boat, roadway, and with the assistance of a Coast Guard helicopter; however, Marrs’ body was never located.
In 1995, a skeletonized human arm and hand were discovered in the Trinity River near the north end of the Hoopa Airstrip. A DNA sample was obtained from the remains and entered into both the California Missing Persons DNA Database and the National Unidentified Persons DNA Index. The DNA profile was routinely compared against profiles from missing persons and other human remains in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), but no matches were identified.
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and the California Department of Justice (CA DOJ) partnered with Othram Inc., a forensic genealogy laboratory, to determine whether advanced forensic DNA testing could help establish an identity for the unidentified remains or a close relative. With funding provided through Representative Jared Huffman’s Community Funding Grant, a DNA extract from the remains was sent to Othram Inc. Othram scientists used forensic genome sequencing to develop a comprehensive DNA profile. Once completed, Othram’s in-house genealogy team used forensic genetic genealogy to generate investigative leads.
In July 2025, the HCSO received a report from Othram indicating the DNA profile may belong to Charles Marrs. The report identified several genetic relatives, including a nephew. HCSO investigators contacted the nephew, who confirmed that his uncle, Charles Marrs, had drowned in the Trinity River. The nephew provided a DNA sample, which was sent to the CA DOJ for comparison to the unidentified remains.
In March 2026, the CA DOJ notified the HCSO that the two DNA samples were related, confirming the remains belonged to Charles Marrs.
Identification of Gregory Hugh Oliver
In August 1996, the Arcata Police Department responded to a report of a human skull found off Fickle Hill Road in Arcata. The Humboldt County Coroner’s Office also responded and took possession of the remains. A DNA sample was obtained; however, it was determined to be degraded due to exposure to the elements. The partial DNA profile was entered into both the California Missing Persons DNA Database and the National Unidentified Persons DNA Index. The DNA profile was routinely compared against profiles from missing persons and other unidentified human remains in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), but no matches were identified.
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and the California Department of Justice (CA DOJ) later partnered with Othram Inc., to determine whether advanced forensic DNA testing could help establish an identity for the unidentified remains or a close relative. With funding provided through Representative Jared Huffman’s Community Funding Grant, a DNA extract from the remains was submitted to Othram Inc. Othram scientists used forensic genome sequencing to develop a comprehensive DNA profile. Once completed, Othram’s in-house genealogy team used forensic genetic genealogy to generate investigative leads.
In December 2025, the HCSO received a report from Othram indicating the DNA profile may belong to Gregory Hugh Oliver, who had been reported missing to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office in Florida. Oliver was last seen by family in 1983. The report also identified several potential genetic relatives. HCSO investigators located a DNA sample from Oliver’s mother, which was submitted to the CA DOJ for comparison to the unidentified remains.
In March 2026, the CA DOJ notified the HCSO that the two DNA samples were related, confirming the remains belonged to Gregory Oliver.
