Remains of Florida John Doe identified after 28 years thanks to genetic testing

On February 13, Florida’s Volusia Sheriff’s Office (VSO) announced that a John Doe whose remains were found in a wooded area of DeBary, Florida, back in 1997 has been identified thanks to forensic genetic genealogy testing and research.  

The cause and manner of death for Ryan L. Stone, who was 22 years old when last seen by his family in 1994, are still undetermined, but his family has finally been notified that he was found. Ryan was identified by Othram Labs, which has been working with the Volusia Sheriff’s Office and Medical Examiner’s Office to test DNA and identify victims in cold cases.

Othram began working Stone’s case in February 2024. By July, the lab notified VSO that through genetic genealogy, they had identified a man in Seminole County who was likely the deceased’s father.

When a detective interviewed the father, he confirmed he had not seen his son Ryan in 30 years. A DNA sample collected from the father confirmed the match.

There were no indications of foul play at the scene where Stone’s skeletal remains were discovered by land surveyors on the morning of November 17, 1997. The site was off the 600 block of Fort Florida Road, DeBary. Along with the bones, detectives recovered a red T-shirt, “Pipeline” shorts, socks and a pair of LA Gear sneakers. The medical examiner at the time determined the subject died one to three years prior to discovery.

Detectives determined Stone had gone through a difficult breakup in 1993-94 and had left home to take some time for himself. There were no indications of suicidal thoughts or substance abuse. His parents described him as a loving and caring person. Anyone with information about Ryan Stone around the time of his death is encouraged to call the Major Case Unit at 386-245-1535 or email Det. Teske at dteske@volusiasheriff.gov.

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(Source: Volusia Sheriff’s Office)

Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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