CRBC News
Culture
Society
Security
Health
Conflict
Science
Technology
Politics
Environment
Lifestyle
Economy

Skeletal Remains Found in 2021 Identified as Man Missing Since 2014 — DNA Confirms Identity

The skeletal remains found in Paulding County on September 22, 2021, have been identified as Thomas Joe Kratzer, who went missing in late 2013 and was reported missing in February 2014. Initial forensic examinations could not determine identity, so the remains were sent to Othram in 2023 for advanced DNA testing. Othram produced a presumptive match that was confirmed with a sample from Kratzer’s sister. Sheriff Ashley Henson said the identification provides long-awaited answers and praised the Cold Case Unit’s efforts. Authorities ask anyone with information to call 770-443-3047 or use the Paulding Sheriff Mobile App.

10:41 PM, 12/04/2025Society
Skeletal Remains Found in 2021 Identified as Man Missing Since 2014 — DNA Confirms Identity

Skeletal Remains From 2021 Positively Identified As Thomas Joe Kratzer

Skeletal remains unearthed in Paulding County on September 22, 2021, have been identified as Thomas Joe Kratzer, who was reported missing in early 2014, county officials said.

A property owner discovered a skull and several bones while preparing a parcel of land for a residential build. Because the remains bore no identification and showed no obvious signs of trauma, they were initially classified as unidentified and the investigation produced no immediate leads.

Investigators say Kratzer was reported missing by his family on February 4, 2014, after they had last heard from him in October 2013. He was entered into the GCIC/NCIC databases as a missing person, but regional comparisons and standard forensic techniques failed to produce a match.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s anthropology unit estimated the remains belonged to a Caucasian male between about 24 and 60 years old. In 2023 the remains were forwarded to Othram, a specialized forensic DNA laboratory, for advanced genetic testing.

Othram’s analysis produced a presumptive DNA match to Thomas Joe Kratzer. That identification was subsequently confirmed after Kratzer’s sister provided a comparison sample, the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office said.

"This identification brings long-awaited answers to the Kratzer family," said Sheriff Ashley Henson.
Henson added, "It demonstrates the unwavering dedication of our Cold Case Unit and our commitment to using every available resource and technology to bring closure to families and justice to those who have been lost."

Authorities emphasize that the discovery and identification were the result of coordinated efforts between local investigators, the GBI and the private forensic lab. Detectives asked anyone with information about this case or other cold-case incidents to contact the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 770-443-3047 or send a message through the Paulding Sheriff Mobile App.

Similar Articles

Trending