ALGONQUIN PARK HUMAN REMAINS IDENTIFIED MORE THAN FOUR DECADES LATER

Remains Identified with Investigative Genetic Genealogy

(ORILLIA, ON) - Human remains discovered in 1980 have now been identified through the use of investigative genetic genealogy (IGG).

On Saturday, April 19, 1980, a hiker located human remains near the Hardwood Lookout Trail in Algonquin Park. As a result, members of the Whitney Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (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 human remains were located at the scene and examined by the Office of the Chief Coroner (OCC) and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service (OFPS).

It was determined that the deceased was a white male estimated to be between 18 and 21 years of age at the time of his death. Foul play was not suspected in his death.

It was initially estimated that the male had died sometime 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 Thursday, March 23, 1995, additional human remains were discovered along the same trail. A jawbone located along the trail 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 three-dimensional clay facial reconstruction created by the OPP forensic artist. This generated dozens of tips, but despite investigation of the leads brought forward, 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. Ricky had last been seen at his parents’ residence in Berea, Ohio, on Thursday, October 4, 1973.

This summer, Ricky’s sisters travelled from the United States to walk the Hardwood Lookout Trail with investigators and visit the place where their brother spent his final days. Photos and an OPP video, featuring an overview of the case as well as interviews with investigators and Ricky’s sisters, are available at opp.ca/news. Members of the public can also visit the new IGG webpage at opp.ca/igg for additional information about how IGG is being used in OPP investigations.

• A/Senior Detective Inspector Sean CHATLAND, Programs, CIB

“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.”

• Detective Sergeant Philip HOLMES, OPP Lead Investigator

“Since 1994, I’ve cared for Ricky’s remains and explored many avenues to identify him. IGG has become an amazing new tool to assist us in identifying individuals. In speaking with Ricky’s sisters, I was amazed at how much they remembered about him after all these years. Meeting them was a privilege and a powerful reminder of how meaningful this work is to families.”

• Dr. Kathy GRUSPIER, Forensic Anthropologist, OCC/OFPS

“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.”

• Merry SINGER, Ricky’s younger sister