Forensic Service Seeks DNA Matches for 20 Unidentified Remains

The National Forensic Science Service is undertaking renewed efforts to identify approximately twenty sets of human remains that have remained unidentified for as long as twenty-eight years.  The skeletal remains were recovered at various locations across Belize between 1998 and 2020 and are currently being kept in the safe custody of the NFSS. However, investigators have been unable to identify them because of limited information about their possible relatives.  In an effort to solve these long-standing cases, the NFSS has created an online form for relatives and friends of people who went missing between 1998 and 2020. Respondents will be asked to provide information that could help forensic personnel determine whether their missing loved one may be connected to any of the unidentified remains.  If the information provided closely matches the details of a particular case, the NFSS will contact the respondent and arrange for the voluntary collection of a DNA sample. That sample will then be compared with DNA obtained from the skeletal remains.  If a positive identification is made, the NFSS says it will assist in returning the remains to the deceased person’s next of kin, allowing the family to finally lay their loved one to rest.  The agency stresses that the service is completely free. At no point will relatives be asked to provide banking information or make any payment.  The online form can be accessed through the QR code on the NFSS web link. Anyone requiring further information may contact the National Forensic Science Service at 205-2164 or email info@forensics.gov.bz.