A man found dead in Reno decades ago has been identified with the help of forensic genetic genealogy.
The Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office says 46-year-old Robert Smithcamp was ultimately positively identified by DNA after a family took an at-home genetic test.
Smithcamp’s body was discovered in Reno on November 18, 1984 by a hunter. His remains were transported to the Washoe County Medical Examiner’s Office where an examination was performed by a county forensic pathologist.
The cause and manner of death could not be determined due to the severe skeletonization of the remains.
“This is the fourth unidentified person from a cold case that we have been able to identify due to this partnership and the generosity of members of the public," Washoe County Chief Medical Examiner and Coroner Dr. Laura D. Knight said. "We are thankful to be able to identify Mr. Smithcamp and give his family closure after nearly 40 years.”
(Washoe County contributed to this report.)
