GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY, Wash. — After nearly two decades of mystery,the remains found on a Washington coastline in 2006 have been identified as those of Clarence Edwin “Ed” Asher,a former mayor of Fossil,Oregon,who disappeared while crabbing. This identification, made possible by advancements in forensic genetic genealogy, brings closure to a long-standing missing person case and highlights the growing power of DNA technology in solving cold cases.
The disappearance and Initial Investigation
Ed Asher, 72, was last seen on september 5, 2006, while crabbing in Tillamook Bay, Oregon. He was presumed drowned and legally declared dead shortly after. However,the revelation of human remains on a beach in Taholah,Washington – an unincorporated village on the Quinault Indian Reservation – in November 2006,sparked a new line of inquiry.Despite extensive efforts by the Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Office and Coroner’s Office, the remains remained unidentified, becoming known as the “Grays Harbor County John Doe.”
The Role of Forensic Genetic Genealogy
For years, the case remained cold. Traditional methods of identification, such as fingerprinting and dental records, proved unsuccessful. The breakthrough came in 2025 when the coroner’s office,in collaboration with the King County Medical Examiner,submitted forensic evidence from the John Doe case to Othram Inc., a forensic genealogy company based in Texas. Othram specializes in Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing (FGG) and genetic genealogy, techniques that have revolutionized cold case investigations.
How Forensic Genetic Genealogy Works
Forensic genetic genealogy combines DNA analysis with traditional genealogical research. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- DNA Extraction and Sequencing: Scientists extract DNA from the unidentified remains and sequence the entire genome. This provides a complete genetic profile.
- building a DNA Profile: Othram uses a unique process to build a DNA profile from highly degraded or limited DNA samples, often found in older cases.
- Genetic Genealogy Database Search: The DNA profile is than uploaded to publicly available genealogy databases, like DNASolves, which contain millions of profiles from individuals who have voluntarily submitted their DNA for ancestry research.
- Identifying Genetic relatives: The database search identifies potential genetic relatives of the unidentified person.
- Genealogical Research: Genealogists then build family trees based on the identified relatives, working backward to identify the unidentified person.
- Confirmation: Once a potential identity is established, the findings are confirmed through direct DNA comparison with known relatives, such as family members who provide reference samples.
In this case, Othram’s scientists successfully extracted DNA from the remains and built a profile.Through genetic genealogy and comparison with relatives of Ed Asher, they definitively confirmed his identity.
Ed Asher: A Life Remembered
Clarence edwin “Ed” Asher was born on April 2, 1934, in Salem, Oregon, and spent much of his life in the astoria area. He moved to Fossil, Oregon, in 1952, where he began a long career as a lineman for the Fossil Telephone Company, retiring in 1995. Beyond his professional life,Asher was a pillar of the Fossil community. He served as the town’s mayor and,in 1965,opened Asher’s Variety Store,a local business that served residents for many years.
The Impact of Funding and Public Participation
The triumphant identification of Ed Asher was made possible by critical funding from Washington State Governor Ferguson, Attorney General Nick Brown, and the Washington State Legislature. This funding supports forensic genetic genealogy testing, enabling investigators to bring closure to families and resolve long-unsolved cases.
Moreover, the power of this technology relies on the participation of individuals who voluntarily submit their DNA to genealogy databases. By joining databases like DNASolves, individuals can contribute to ongoing forensic investigations and potentially help reunite families with missing loved ones.
Washington State’s Success with Forensic Genealogy
Ed Asher’s case marks the 43rd successful identification in washington State using technology developed by Othram. This demonstrates the state’s commitment to utilizing cutting-edge forensic science to solve cold cases and provide answers to grieving families. The increasing number of successful identifications underscores the effectiveness of forensic genetic genealogy as a vital tool for law enforcement.
key Takeaways
- Forensic genetic genealogy is a powerful tool for identifying unidentified remains and solving cold cases.
- publicly available genealogy databases play a crucial role in the success of this technology.
- Government funding and public participation are essential for expanding the reach and effectiveness of forensic genetic genealogy.
- the identification of Ed Asher brings closure to his family after nearly two decades of uncertainty.
The resolution of Ed Asher’s case serves as a testament to the dedication of forensic scientists, law enforcement officials, and the generosity of individuals who contribute to genealogy databases. As DNA technology continues to advance, we can expect even more success stories in the years to come, bringing hope and closure to families affected by missing persons and unsolved crimes.
