A bone discovered in the sand on a Central Coast beach has been identified as that of a teenage boy who died in a drowning accident 44 years ago.
A member of the public found the jawbone in the sand on Umina Beach, near Sydney Ave, on June 11, 2020.
Initial DNA analysis failed to identify any direct, familial or genealogical matches.
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Now, advancements in DNA analysis have matched the bone to Henry Coleman, a 17-year-old boy who died in an accidental drowning on the Central Coast in August 1980.
In their investigation, detectives, scientists, and analysts identified a genetic link to a possible living relative, who they then obtained a sample from to confirm the bone was Henry’s.
Henry was laid to rest following a coronial inquest, but it was not known at the time that the bone was missing, police said.
Police said the formal identification of the owner of the jawbone has now been referred to the coroner.
Missing Persons Registry manager Detective Inspector Ritchie Sim said the investigation showcased the importance of DNA testing in missing person cases.
“Without the amazing, combined work by our detectives, scientists and analysts, we never would have been able to return these remains to their resting place and find answers for Mr Coleman’s family,” Sim said.
“This investigation has taken four years and we can’t be happier with the result with the most rewarding part being giving the news to Mr Coleman’s family.”
Sim said the outcome was an example of why the public should get involved in providing familial DNA to solve missing persons cases, including unidentified remains.
The DNA can not and will not be used in criminal investigations or stored in any criminal or suspect data bases, Sim said.
“If you have reported a family member missing to police, and you have the Event number, I urge you to go to your local police station and provide your DNA if you haven’t done so already,” he said.
“Just like in Mr Coleman’s case, your relationship with the missing person can be several generations apart.
“Your relative may have already been found, we just don’t know as yet, as we haven’t been able to identify them until now.
“This technology and capability now gives us the best opportunity yet, to achieve this.”