Southeast Missouri State University students help identify remains found in Mississippi River

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — Anthropology students and faculty from Southeast Missouri State University have helped solve a cold case by identifying human remains found in the Mississippi River in 2022.

The remains, previously known as “Portageville John Doe,” were recovered near Portageville, Missouri, in June 2022. Despite initial forensic efforts and DNA testing, the remains couldn’t be identified until New Madrid County officials reached out to Dr. Jennifer Bengtson, a professor of anthropology at Southeast Missouri State University, in 2024.

Bengtson and her students conducted a detailed forensic assessment of the remains, developing an updated biological profile, completing dental analysis, and selecting samples for advanced DNA testing.

Their research helped prioritize the best samples for further analysis, which were sent to Othram, a forensic sequencing lab. Using forensic-grade genome sequencing and forensic genetic genealogy, Othram built a comprehensive SNP profile.

The collaborative efforts led to a break in the case, tracing potential relatives who had posted online about a missing family member matching the description. In April 2025, familial DNA testing confirmed the remains were those of Robert J. Eaton, a 26-year-old man reported missing from Elizabeth, Indiana, in early 2022.

Eaton’s family traveled to Missouri in May to recover his remains and expressed gratitude to everyone involved. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Eaton’s disappearance and death is ongoing.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol and private donations to Southeast Missouri State University’s Forensic Anthropology Program funded the work.