Remains found on a beach in southwestern Washington in 2006 have been identified through DNA analysis as a former Oregon mayor who authorities think drowned while crabbing.
The remains were identified as Clarence Edwin "Ed" Asher, 72, according to Othram, a Texas-based organization specializing in DNA analysis and forensic genetic genealogy. Asher went crabbing on Sept. 5, 2006, in Tillamook Bay, before his disappearance, the organization stated.
Before identifying Asher, Othram said the mystery surrounding his identity began when someone found skeletal remains in November 2006 on a beach in Washington state.
Authorities initially estimated the man to be between 20 and 60 years old, standing around 5 feet 9 inches tall, Othram said. Posts shared on social media and Crime Solvers Central show that his body was found on the beach in a “moderately advanced level of postmortem decomposition.”
The man was entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), known only as Grays Harbor County John Doe (2006).
