GBI Continues to Ask For Help Identifying Remains Found in Banks County Last Year

The GBI continues to seek the public’s assistance in identifying human remains found in Banks County near Interstate 85 in February of 2017.

On Sunday, February 5, 2017, a skeleton was discovered in a wooded area near New Salem Methodist Church, at 2170 Highway 59, in Commerce.

The body’s location was one mile south of I-85, Exit 154 for Toccoa/SR 63/Martin Bridge Road.

Banks County Sheriff’s office spokesperson Melissa McFaddin said at the time that a realtor was looking over the property for a prospective buyer and discovered the remains.

A forensic anthropological examination estimates the remains to be female, approximately 30-44 years of age, and approximately 4’9’ to 5’6” in height.

The anthropologist cited an ancestry of “Probable Black” and additional traits that are frequently observed in individuals of “Hispanic origin.”

It is believed the woman had been dead for about four years when the remains were found.

Since then, a GBI forensic artist has completed a skull reconstruction and sketch.

Additionally, more tests were conducted by the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification.

They were able to obtain a DNA profile from the submitted bone sample and a DNA profile has been entered into CODIS as well as to the Texas Department of Public Safety’s State DNA Index System.

Found among the remains, was a metal ring and a butterfly necklace charm

Also, blue, purple, and gray in color fabrics were also collected from the scene.

Dental is available for comparison.

Anyone with information concerning the case is asked to call the GBI Athens office at 706-552-2309 or the Banks County Sheriff’s Office at 706-677-2248.

Information may also be submitted on-line at https://gbi.georgia.gov/webform/submit-tips-online.