Human remains discovered in Algonquin Park in 1980 have now been identified through the use of investigative genetic genealogy (IGG).
The OPPs Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) said on Sept. 4 that the 40-plus year case has now been solved.
On April 19, 1980, a hiker found the remains near the Hardwood Lookout Trail in the park and members of the Whitney OPP, under the OPP CIB, began an extensive search with the assistance of the Ministry of Natural Resources. Over several days, a boot, a leather wallet, clothing, a sleeping bag, camping gear and additional remains were located and examined by the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service (OFPS).
It was determined the deceased was a white male between 18 and 21 at the time of his death. Foul play was not suspected.
It was initially estimated the male had died between July 1, 1971, and spring 1978. Further investigation narrowed the estimated time of death to approximately two years before the remains were discovered. Despite comparing the remains to several missing persons reports and issuing public appeals, the case remained unsolved.
On March 23, 1995, additional remains were discovered along the trail. A jawbone was examined by the OFPS and confirmed to belong to the human remains found in 1980. Although further searches were conducted, no additional remains or items were found.
In 2017, the OPP unveiled a threedimensional clay facial reconstruction created by their forensic artist. This generated dozens of tips, but none led to a confirmed identity.
The investigation continued and, in April 2022, the male’s DNA was submitted to the DNA Doe Project for IGG analysis in an attempt to determine his identity through family members. By September 2023, the presumptive identity was verified and used by CIB detectives to locate living family members. DNA from family members was used to confirm the male’s identity and the family was notified.
After more than four decades, the deceased has finally been identified as Eric (Ricky) Singer of Cleveland, Ohio. Singer had last been seen at his parents’ residence in Berea, Ohio, on Oct. 4, 1973.
The CIB said that this summer, Ricky’s sisters travelled from the U.S. to walk the trail with investigators and visit the place where their brother spent his final days. Ricky’s youngest sister, Merry Singer, said, “up until this time, I never felt sad because it has been such a long time and you get numb to it. This cuts through. I’m honoured, I’m humbled, I’m grateful. He was eventually found. He was identified and we were able to put him to rest and put ourselves to rest.”
It offered closure to investigators as well.
Detective sergeant Philip Holmes, OPP lead investigator, said “Eric Singer’s remains were found before I was even born. The fact that I’m involved in supporting his family in understanding what happened to him feels a little surreal. This case demonstrates the incredible results that are possible when modern investigative tools, such as investigative genetic genealogy, are used to resolve historic cases and provide long-awaited answers to families. This was one of the most rewarding investigations of my career.”
