SEMINOLE COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) - The use of genetic technology helped identify human remains discovered in Seminole County 50 years ago. The GBI, in partnership with Othram Inc., determined that the man known as the Seminole County John Doe is Curtis Lee Jones.

Jones’ skeletal remains were first discovered in December 1976 in a remote area of Seminole County, near the Chattahoochee River. A lengthy investigation at the time was unable to identify the remains. Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.

According to a GBI press release, genetic testing by Othram Inc. and GBI agents in 2024 produced information that led to Jones’ identification. The GBI credited Jones’ family with assisting in the investigation. His Family was notified of the discovery in February 2026.

Investigators were unable to determine the cause of Jones ’ death. Anyone with information about Jones’ death is asked to call the GBI Cold Case Unit at 404-239-2106 or the GBI tip line at 1-800-597-8477.

Othram Inc. is based in The Woodlands, Texas. The GBI said Othram is a leader in forensic-grade genome sequencing used to develop genealogical profiles.

WALB has reached out to the GBI for more information in this case.

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