Unidentified Human Remains: GBI Releases Facial Reconstruction in Cold Case

WOODSTOCK, GA – Georgia Bureau of Investigation Forensic Artist Kelly Lawson has released her first forensic facial reconstruction on an unsolved death dating back to 2013.

The case originated out of Cherokee County, and Lawson recently performed this service based on the method of Forensic Facial Approximation, or Reconstruction.

The process involves recreating the face of an individual -- whose identity is unknown -- from his or her's skeletal remains. The GBI forensic artist uses scientific methods of reconstruction as taught by the former GBI forensic artist, Marla Lawson.

The case used by the GBI involves the discovery of skeletal remains on July 20, 2013, in a wooded area in the 3000 block of South Cherokee Lane in Woodstock. The individual was described as a black male between 40 and 60 years old and approximately 5’7” to 6’1” tall.

The remains also suggested that the man had a lighter skin complexion, with brown tightly coiled curly hair. This individual likely died some time between February and July 2013, and could possibly have been homeless, the GBI states.

The remains were submitted to the GBI Crime Lab and they remain unidentified to this date. Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying the man.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is the investigating agency and can be contacted at 770-928-0239 with any information on the identity of the male and/or information that will assist in solving this case.

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Image via Georgia Bureau of Investigation