In a remarkable breakthrough, police have finally identified the human remains discovered near Toronto over 45 years ago, shedding light on a case that haunted investigators for decades.

The remains were found on July 16, 1980, by a local resident in a wooded area on Eleventh Concession Road in Markham, Ontario. The shocking twist? They belonged to William Joseph Pennell, a convict who had escaped from a Kingston prison just a month earlier.

In 2023, the York Regional Police announced that the mystery had finally been solved thanks to investigative genetic genealogy (IGG). This modern forensic technique allowed investigators to connect the remains to Pennell after successfully identifying his relatives.

So, how was this extraordinary feat achieved? CTV News Toronto spoke to Othram, a pioneering forensics company based in Texas, which played a pivotal role in the identification process.

The Journey of Discovery

Pennell’s remains were exhumed in 2007 as part of a cold case investigation aimed at facial reconstruction. By 2008, DNA had been extracted and entered into the national database but returned no matches.

In a twist of fate, the case was revisited in 2021 when York Regional Police sought the expertise of Othram. Colby Lasyone, Othram’s chief of staff, explained, “We began by extracting DNA from skeletal evidence. Our next step was to create a new DNA profile.” This profile was then uploaded to various databases, including family tree websites, leading to a match that identified Pennell.

Lasyone elaborated on the process, noting, “Forensic genetic genealogy relies on databases where individuals consent to be queried by law enforcement.” This innovative method is paving the way for solving numerous cold cases, demonstrating the profound impact of advancements in technology.

This isn’t Othram’s first success story; they previously assisted in solving the tragic 1983 murder cases of Erin Gilmour and Susan Tice, both of whom were killed in their homes. The same genetic techniques led to the identification of suspect Joseph George Sutherland, who was sentenced to life imprisonment earlier this year.

Revolutionizing Cold Case Investigations

Chris Lewis, former commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police and CTV News Public Safety Analyst, emphasized the significance of genetic genealogy in transforming cold case investigations. “In the past, matching DNA required samples from both a crime scene and a suspect,” he noted. “Now, we have the tools to identify unidentified remains using expansive databases.”

While not all cold cases can be solved with this approach, particularly those with no suspects identified, many are being re-examined thanks to advances in forensic science. Police across Canada are actively reviewing their cold cases, eager to apply cutting-edge technology to previously unsolvable investigations.

The Life of William Joseph Pennell

William Joseph Pennell was no stranger to the criminal justice system, having served time in various institutions for crimes, including armed robbery and attempted murder. He was arrested on June 30, 1979, for armed robbery while on parole and was sent to Collins Bay Institution in Kingston. Pennell was sentenced for his crime in April 1980, but in a desperate act, he escaped two months later.

Tragically, little is known about Pennell’s escape, and while it’s suspected he intended to flee to South America, this was the last known contact he had before his untimely death. The cause of death remains undetermined, but investigators suspect foul play.

The investigation into Pennell's death continues, as police are actively searching for friends and associates to piece together the final whereabouts of the 26-year-old convict after his escape. This case not only closes a long-standing mystery but showcases the evolving capabilities of forensic science in solving cold cases, raising hope for many others still unsolved.