The Walker County Sheriff’s Office reported Wednesday that it fielded a call Sunday from a citizen in the Curry community. When deputies arrived on the scene, they met with residents who discovered what they believed to possibly be a human bone.
Investigators were dispatched to the scene immediately and an initial search of the area was performed. The team then collected evidence and transported it the Alabama Department of Forensic Science (ADFS) for testing. While awaiting analysis from the ADFS, investigators are combing through missing persons reports for comparison of possible matches in the CODIS database. Detailed and in-depth searches of the area are being organized.
CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) is a national DNA information repository maintained by the FBI that allows state and local crime laboratories to store and compare DNA profiles from crime-scene evidence and convicted offenders. Anytime there is a match in the database, it allows agencies to exchange information efficiently to verify the match. In addition to CODIS, information will be shared with the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)
“This process is very detailed and generally takes several months. If a match is identified, then investigators will contact the appropriate parties,” Sheriff Nick Smith said. “Due to the limited information and ongoing investigation, this is all of the information that we are able to release at this time.”
