The authorities have finally been able to identify a John Doe that was discovered in the Mississippi River three years ago using a breakthrough form of analysis.

The New Madrid County Sheriff’s Office from Missouri issued a statement confirming that the body was that of Robert Eaton, a man who disappeared after leaving Caesars Southern Indiana casino in February 2022. A member of the public found Eaton’s body about four months after his disappearance, but it took three years to finally figure out who he was.

decision to enlist the help of an anthropology professor

The turning point was the investigators’ decision to enlist the help of an anthropology professor in the case, who put together a more comprehensive dental analysis and inventory.

Eventually, investigators discovered that people flagged as potential relatives of the John Doe through a genealogy report had posted on social media about a family member who had gone missing and who fell into the same demographic.

The possible relatives agreed to do interviews and submit samples for analysis in April, which led to a positive match. While probes into the circumstances of Eaton’s death continue, his family said that they are now at peace and are happy about the discovery of the new technique that might crack other cases.