They recreate the image of a Neanderthal family from DNA 0:53
(CNN) --
The mystery of skeletal remains found by hunters in 1991 on a private farm in Pickaway County, Ohio, long remained just that: an enigma.
At first, authorities believed they were a Native American woman, about 25 years old, due to their small stature and the location where they were found.
But further investigation revealed that the remains were buried in a shallow grave for no more than three years, according to the Pickaway County Sheriff's Office.
As DNA analysis and forensic science advanced over the years, more bits of information came to light: In 2012, scientists at the University of North Texas were able to extract DNA from bones.
But all that revealed to researchers was that the remains belonged to a man and could have had ancestors on the Indian subcontinent.
Exactly 31 years after the remains were found, investigators determined that they belonged to Robert Mullins.
(Credit: Pickaway County Sheriff's Office)
"For many years, the only thing that was available was criminal DNA databases," Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said at a news conference Tuesday.
“So, you know, if your deceased, if your John Doe, your stranger is a person who committed a crime, that's great,” they could be in the database, he said.
"But if not, DNA is of no use to you."
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However, genetic genealogy has been a game changer.
The AdvanceDNA company uploaded the DNA profile to family tree databases for months.
“We built an expansive family tree that contains more than 4,000 people,” said Amanda Reno of AdvanceDNA.
"Our investigation extended to Virginia, Kentucky, Canada and even England," she said.
Distant cousins and other relatives who were DNA matches volunteered and "checked in regularly, hoping to receive updates on their case," he said.
“Through our research, we were able to develop a specific profile for the individual,” he said.
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Using a "multi-step verification process," investigators determined that the remains belong to Robert A. Mullins, of Columbus, Ohio," the Sheriff's Office said.
Mullins' family said she disappeared sometime in 1988 or 1989 when she was 21, according to Yost's office.
“This is a case about advancing science, DNA gets better all the time,” Yost said.
“We're all going to die at some point — it's the only sure thing about our lives on this earth, but what a tragedy to die a stranger — not to have a name to put on a headstone,” Yost said.
“Today, that circle closes.
And that is the first step towards the rest of justice,” Yost said.
Now, the investigation is continuing as a homicide investigation, authorities said.
“We know from the nature of the crime scene that this could have been a homicide,” Yost said.
"And now the detectives have the new information that will allow them to go out and do what they do best: hit the streets."
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