John Doe

Status:

Open

Jurisdiction:

Poinsett County Sheriffs Department (AR)

Recovery Location:

Marked Tree, Arkansas

Summary:

A partial skull was discovered on August 12, 2001 in a wooded area along the St. Francis River near the old siphons on Lock and Dam Road in Marked Tree, Arkansas. DNA testing confirmed the skull belonged to a Black male between ages 16 and 19 at time of death. Investigators believe he died more than a year prior to discovery and that his death may have been a homicide. In 2023, the Poinsett County Sheriff's Office partnered with Othram for advanced forensic DNA testing.

Vital Statistics

Circumstances of Recovery:

In August 2001, a fisherman in Marked Tree, Arkansas discovered a partial skull while fishing in a ditch off the St. Francis River. The remains were discovered in a wooded area along the river, near the old siphons on Lock and Dam Road. No additional remains that were matched to the unidentified young man were recovered. DNA testing revealed the skull belonged to a late teenager who had died at least a year before.

Additional Details:

DNA testing confirmed the skull was that of a Black male, likely between 16 and 19 years old at time of death. However, due to limited recovery of remains, investigators were unable to determine hair color, eye color, height, or weight. A slightly healed fracture to the nose was noted, and all upper teeth were broken off with no mandible recovered, eliminating dental identification. Estimated birth year based on age at death was 1982-1985. A composite sketch was created by a Forensic Artist at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In September 2009, the case was entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP5876. The case went cold with few leads, until in 2023, the Poinsett County Sheriff's Office partnered with Othram to determine if advanced forensic DNA testing could help establish an identity. The area where the skull was found is now all underwater.

Case Last Updated:

Sep 18, 2026