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He was a casual worker, an antiques dealer, interested in photography and considered charming: Roger Dale Parham, then aged 52. But at the end of 1998, the FBI arrested him: he allegedly raped a child in the American state of Arkansas.
Parham is released on bail, with a court hearing scheduled to answer for other offences. But Parham never shows up for his trial. The FBI believes he has fled to Mexico and sends out a wanted notice.
But Parham remains missing.
Fishermen discover body in the water
Months later, in May 1999, two fishermen made a gruesome discovery in Lake Barkley, Kentucky. They find a body – which apparently should never have come to the surface of the lake: it was wrapped in heavy chains and still had a jack attached to it. The body was wearing a Dallas Cowboys windbreaker, an XXL T-shirt and tennis shoes.
But at the turn of the millennium, the technical capabilities of the police were not yet as advanced as they are today. No one knows who the unknown body is. The case is closed, but the DNA evidence has been secured.
In 2016, the researchers made a new attempt. Trying to determine the identity of the deceased using DNA matching, dental impressions and other forensic tests. Vain.
DNA genealogical research provides the breakthrough
Now the next attempt followed: the Kentucky police had the DNA traces examined by a private laboratory that specialized in forensic genealogy. The technology uses DNA analyzes of the human genome to demonstrate family relationships. Spectacular cases such as that of the Golden State Killer have already been solved in the US.
The Kentucky laboratory came across a relative of Roger Dale Parham. And now it became clear: the body sunk in the lake was that of the fugitive, alleged rapist.
Although the cause of death could not be determined, the suspicious circumstances made it clear to the police: Parham died a violent death. And so the mystery of the body of water, finally solved, has created a new mystery for the police: who is Parham’s killer?
The police have now opened a murder investigation. (neo)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
