A body recovered more than a dozen years ago in Yavapai County has been identified.
David Emil Jacobsen, 46, of Largo, Florida, was found without identification in August 2011 in the Beaver Creek area, according to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office. An autopsy performed on Jacobsen determined he died of natural causes due to heart complications, according to county spokeswoman Kristin Greene.
Jacobsen’s remains were identified through forensic genealogy done free of charge for the agency by Ramapo College of New Jersey through an investigative genetic genealogy program, according to the sheriff’s office. A combination of family tree research and circumstantial evidence led students to Jacobsen, according to a press release from the college. The Yavapai County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed his identity through mitochondrial DNA comparison, the sheriff’s office said.
Investigators for years tried to find a match through NamUs, which is the federal missing persons database.
“The Jacobsen family is very grateful to everyone for their efforts to bring closure to this 13-year painful experience. YCSO appreciates the efforts of Ramapo College and their students’ diligent work in this endeavor. We hope to partner with them on other cases in the future,” read a statement from the sheriff’s office.