Human Remains Found in Greenwood

Source: (PHOTO: Thinkstock/barbol88)

JOHNSON COUNTY, Ind.—Human remains recovered in Greenwood back in 1993 have been identified.

The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office says they are of Michael Benjamin Davis. He would have been in his 20s at the time of his death. Davis was born in Richland County, South Carolina.

The remains were found near I-65 in what is now Otte Golf Course.

“After months of emails, phone calls, and assistance from other law enforcement agencies across the U.S. and Canada, we were able to locate potential family members. Multiple DNA kits were funded by Crime Junkie Podcast Founder and CEO Ashley Flowers and distributed by Othram Forensics. The field was narrowed, and positive DNA results and genealogy tracking located immediate family members who reported losing track of the individual in the late 1980s. After nearly six months, an identification has been confirmed. This is Johnson County’s only known unidentified set of remains,” said Johnson County Coroner Mike Pruitt.

Pruitt says the case has long been suspected of being a homicide, but the cause and manner of death for Davis has been undetermined unless more information is discovered.

“Significant progress was made with the help of Greenwood PD, the University of Indianapolis, and the Othram Forensic DNA Testing Laboratory. This case remained cold with no leads until our Coroner’s Office revisited it using updated DNA and genealogy procedures,” said Pruitt.

Davis’ family will be coming to Indiana to claim his remains.

A news conference will be held at Greenwood City Hall on September 5.