Skeletal Remains Found in 2021 Identified as Man Missing Since 2013; Investigation Ongoing

Skeletal remains discovered on private property in rural Dallas, Georgia, in September 2021 have been formally identified as Thomas Joe Kratzer, a man who was last seen in October 2013 and reported missing in February 2014, authorities say.

The remains were located by a property owner. Investigators recovered a used zip tie near the remains and reported two abandoned vehicles roughly 100 yards away. One of the vehicles has been ruled unrelated, while the other is registered to a known gang member and is being examined for possible connection to the case.

At the time the remains were found, forensic examiners determined they were those of a White male between 24 and 60 years old, but the identity could not be confirmed and the case went cold for a time. In 2023 the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation submitted evidence to Othram, a forensic laboratory that specializes in extracting DNA from degraded samples.

Othram generated a viable DNA profile and produced investigative leads that pointed law enforcement to potential relatives. After collecting a comparative sample, investigators confirmed the remains belonged to Thomas Joe Kratzer, who was last seen on Oct. 17, 2013, according to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs).

“This identification brings long‑awaited answers to the Kratzer family and demonstrates the unwavering dedication of our Cold Case Unit,” Paulding County Sheriff Ashley Henson said in statements reported by local media.

Othram noted this is the 27th identification in Georgia made public using the company’s technology. The cause and exact circumstances of Kratzer’s death remain under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office at 770‑443‑3010 and reference case 2021‑09220092, or consult NamUs ID UP89733. The investigation is active and tips may be crucial to determining what happened.