Genealogy Aids in Identifying 2021 Skeletal Remains from Cold Case Homicide

Breakthrough in Cold Case: Identification of Remains Found in Lake Okeechobee

Palm Beach County, FL — In a significant development for law enforcement and forensic science, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) has successfully identified unidentified skeletal remains discovered in June 2021. This milestone was achieved through advanced forensic genetic genealogy techniques, marking an important advancement in the efforts to resolve cold cases involving unidentified individuals.

On June 12, 2021, during a leisurely walk in the Canal Point Recreation Area, a couple stumbled upon skeletal remains along the eastern shoreline of Lake Okeechobee. Responding officers from the PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division and the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office collected the remains for further examination. At the time of discovery, authorities faced challenges in determining both the identity and circumstances surrounding the death of the individual, as there were no immediate leads or indications regarding the cause or manner of death.

In 2025, PBSO began a partnership with Othram, a forensic sequencing laboratory specializing in the use of genealogical research to aid criminal investigations. Utilizing advanced DNA technology, Othram provided leads that were instrumental for the PBSO Cold Case Unit detectives in advancing the investigation.

In September 2025, detectives traveled to various locations to follow up on the leads generated by Othram and to gather DNA samples from potential relatives of the deceased. Subsequently, on October 27, 2025, the remains were confirmed to belong to William Wolfgang McKinnis, a veteran from Boston whose life was characterized by transience and estrangement from his family. Prior to his demise, McKinnis had reportedly traveled between Cocoa, Florida, and Hollywood, Florida during the summer of 2019.

In light of this development, PBSO is now reaching out to the public for assistance in establishing a clearer timeline surrounding McKinnis’s life in the years before his death. Authorities are particularly interested in information from anyone who may have known him between 2019 and 2021. Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS.

This case highlights the growing impact of forensic genetic genealogy in solving previously intractable cases, demonstrating the potential of modern science to provide answers to families seeking closure. The collaborative efforts of PBSO, Othram, and other agencies underscore the critical role of cross-disciplinary partnerships in law enforcement.

For ongoing updates, additional details may be found on the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office official Facebook page.