New DNA technology helps TBI identify cold case victim

 “Any investigator that’s worked a homicide will tell you: to know the victim is to know the killer,” TBI Special Agent Brandon Elkins said.

Skeletal remains were found by hunters along a trail in Claiborne County.

New forensic DNA profiling has now found genetic links to identify the victim.

“The one thing that always speaks volumes in these cases is that there is a story. Right? It’s not just a person in a violent crime. There’s a story behind that,” Elkins said.

At least a dozen more cases are being reviewed in partnership with a private lab in Texas.

“We’re going to see more game changers in the next 20-30 years as technology continues to develop. But there is hope. And I think that nationally we’re going to see more and more people that have laid unidentified for decades slowly identified,” Elkins said.

With help from authorities in Arkansas, TBI agents found relatives and identified the man as Jerry Harrison of Little Rock.

Harrison had last contacted his family back in 1982.

“Being able to finally give them a name after so many years is… there’s a lot of emotion that comes with being able to do that,” TBI Intelligence Analyst Amy Allen Emberton said.

TBI agents are hoping the public will provide more information to aid in the murder case of Jerry Harrison.

 “And a lot of times, the public doesn’t necessarily understand that what they think is irrelevant, can be the one thing that will solve the case,” Assistant Director of Criminal Investigation Division Josh Melton said.

The bureau encourages the public to provide any leads towards the investigation.