Advanced DNA testing technology helps Peterborough Police Service identify human remains found in Otonabee River in 1988
On July 10th, 1988, recreational divers located a human skull in the Otonabee River, near Lock and McKeller Street, approximately 130 feet from the shore. When the skull was found a postmortem examination was conducted, which revealed it belonged to a male and that he was the victim of homicide. Extensive air and underwater searches were conducted; however, the remainder of the body has never been recovered.
As a result of advanced DNA testing technology, the human remains have been identified as Gerald Durocher. Durocher was born in November 1949 and at the time of his death would have been 38 years old.
In October 2021, the Peterborough Police Service submitted evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, in hopes that advanced DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy could help generate new leads and assist with identifying the ‘Otonabee River Man’.
Othram scientists used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing to build a comprehensive DNA profile, which was then used by Othram’s genealogy team, in conjunction with forensic genetic genealogy to identify potential relatives. The Peterborough Police Service then used this information to locate and interview these individuals. It was through this process, as well as subsequent confirmatory DNA testing by the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service that led to the positive identification of the victim.
This case has never been forgotten and over the last three decades various methods were used in an attempt to identify the remains.
The Peterborough Police Service is currently pursuing all avenues to continue to further this investigation. It is believed that Durocher had connections throughout the Province of Ontario, including Ottawa, as well as the Quesnel area in central British Columbia.
Investigators are encouraging anyone with information pertaining to Durocher, or his death to come forward, noting that sometimes even the small details can play a large part in solving a case.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Constable Lacey White at 705-876-1122 ext. 266, the Peterborough Police Service Crime Line at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.stopcrimehere.ca
Peterborough-Northumberland Crime Stoppers has generously offered a $5000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest in this case.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
