Missing Man's Remains ID'ed After Nearly 6 Years In Gwinnett

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — Human remains found more than a year ago by construction workers near a Gwinnett County hospital have now been identified as a man who disappeared in 2020.

The Gwinnett County Medical Examiner's Office on Thursday identified the remains as Timothy Mitchell Williams, who was last seen alive on July 18, 2020 near his Duluth home.

Construction workers expanding Northside Hospital Gwinnett on Feb. 10, 2025 found Williams' remains (which included a skull) in an area near Highway 316 and the Duluth Highway exit. The ME's office and Lawrenceville Police responded but were not able to identify the person at the time.

Authorities spent the next year scouring missing persons reports, and the ME's office said the Georgia Bureau of Investigation crafted a forensic sketch of the located skull.

It was not until early this year that officials say they were able to use DNA Solves/Othram advanced DNA technology to perform forensic genetic genealogy that ultimately led to an analysis and possible relatives of the deceased.

The ME's office said they contacted the leads and learned that a family member of Williams reported him missing.

They said they then worked with Gwinnett County Police, which had been investigating the missing persons case, to collect swabs from Williams' mother.

DNA from the samples were compared to DNA from the remains and resulted in a match, resulting in the positive identification of Williams, the ME's office said.

Prior to disappearing, the ME's office said during his last conversation with his mother, Williams told her to keep his cell phone and promised he would call her. She never heard from him afterward.

"Timothy Mitchell Williams was a son, a brother and a loyal friend. He was an avid sports enthusiast and athlete, with a particular passion for skiing. A devoted animal lover, he cared for numerous pets throughout his life, including up to 10 iguanas and several dogs he considered his 'best friends.' Mr. Williams was also a proud business owner who took great pride in his work and accomplishments," the ME's office said.

Police said this is the second case in two weeks in Lawrenceville, and the 30th overall in Georgia, to be resolved using Othram.

"The Lawrenceville Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Timothy Williams. The investigation remains ongoing," police said in a statement.