A set of skeletal remains discovered by a property owner in rural Dallas, Georgia, back in 2021 has finally been identified as Thomas Joe Kratzer — a man who mysteriously disappeared in 2013. The breakthrough came after years of uncertainty and new DNA analysis conducted by Othram, a cutting-edge forensic lab known for solving cold cases.
When investigators first arrived at the scene, they found not just bones but a chilling clue: a used zip tie lying beside the remains. Two abandoned cars were also found nearby — one reportedly belonging to a known gang member, according to Othram.
Authorities determined the remains were of a white male between 24 and 60, but with few leads and no identification, the trail went cold. It wasn’t until 2023 that the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation sent DNA evidence to Othram. The lab developed a genetic profile that pointed to potential relatives — and eventually confirmed the remains belonged to Kratzer.
Kratzer had been officially reported missing in February 2014, months after he was last seen in October 2013. Deputies conducting a welfare check at his home found it eerily empty — with “everything of value gone,” according to records from the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.
Sheriff Ashley Henson said the discovery brings “long-awaited answers” to Kratzer’s loved ones and praised the Cold Case Unit’s “unwavering dedication” in pursuing justice.
While the identification brings long-overdue closure, the case is far from over. Investigators are still piecing together what happened to Kratzer — and whether foul play was involved.
Othram says Kratzer’s identification marks the 27th time in Georgia that its DNA technology has helped name an unidentified person.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office at 770-443-3010 and reference case 2021-09220092.
Source: People
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