Remains found in Nevada desert identified a year later. Murder investigation underway
Human remains found in a desert more than a year ago have been identified as a missing Nevada man, prompting a murder investigation, deputies say.
Using genetic genealogy, the remains were identified as Daniel Patrick Core, the Nye County Sheriff’s Office said in a Dec. 18 news release.
Man vanishes
Family reported Core missing in September 2022, deputies said.
However, deputies learned he was last seen riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle in Pahrump the month prior.
Despite detectives’ “lengthy investigation,” Core’s case went cold, deputies said.
Remains found in desert
In June 2023, skeletal remains were found in a desert area outside the town Core was last seen, deputies said.
The Clark County Office of Coroner and Medical Examiner performed an autopsy on the remains, deputies said.
Investigators determined the remains belonged to a man between the ages of 35 and 65 years old, who stood between 5 feet, 7 inches and 5 feet, 10 inches tall, according to a Dec. 19 news release from Othram Inc., the genetic genealogy company that helped identify the remains.
The man’s identity, however, remained a mystery.
Genetic genealogy leads to ID
Months later, detectives looked to forensic genetic genealogy in hopes of identifying the remains and partnered with Othram, according to deputies.
Genetic genealogy uses DNA testing coupled with “traditional genealogical methods” to create “family history profiles,” according to the Library of Congress. With genealogical DNA testing, researchers can determine if and how people are biologically related.
Othram said its scientists created “a comprehensive genealogical profile” for the man.
This profile was used in genetic genealogy research to create new leads in the case, which pointed investigators to the man’s potential relatives, the company said.
A potential relative provided investigators with a DNA sample, which confirmed the remains belonged to Core, who would have been 61 when he was reported missing, Othram said.
Core’s death is being investigated as a homicide, deputies said, adding that anyone with information is asked to contact them at 775-751-7000.
Pahrump is about a 60-mile drive west from Las Vegas.
This story was originally published December 20, 2024 at 11:21 AM with the headline "Remains found in Nevada desert identified a year later. Murder investigation underway."
