Why its hard to find a missing person among the unidentified dead

Publish date: 2024-05-07

MICHAEL SCHILLER:

The main lab that the NamUs database relies on is at the University of North Texas, where scientists extract and analyze DNA from unidentified remains. But, by itself, this DNA is not enough.

To make an I.D., there needs to be a matching source of DNA. That's why loved ones of missing persons have gathered in Houston, Texas, for Family Day, where volunteer groups and officials managing the NamUs database have gathered along with law enforcement to get more families to put their DNA into the system.

GLORIA ESPARZA, Mother of Missing Person: My son is missing. His name is Ryan Jacob Esparza. He's missing out of Pasadena, Texas. This is the park that supposedly he was last seen at.

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