On January 19, 1999, construction workers using a front loader were clearing a muddy bog-like lot for development off of Riverside Parkway and Old Norcross Road when a skull was located. After superficial excavation, the remainder of a nearly intact skeleton was recovered.

The medical examiner determined that the remains belong to a 25 — 45-year-old black male who stood 5'7" to 5'11". The post-mortem interval (PMI) for these remains spans from months to years.

Recovered with the remains was a 3 button pull-over Knights of the Round Table short sleeve sports shirt with blue, white, grey, and aqua vertical geometric stripes and a black necktie. No other articles of clothing or personal belongings were found.

According to the Medical Examiner's investigative and autopsy reports, there is strong suggestion the decedent died elsewhere and was buried in the location where the remains were found. Another possibility is that the remains could have washed downstream to their final location during a period of heavy rains and flooding.

In 2023, the Gwinnett County Medical Examiner’s Office, as part of a longstanding collaboration with Othram, used advanced forensic DNA testing combined with a genealogical search to help identify the man or a close relative.

Estimated Date of Death: Unknown/ spans months to years

State of Remains: Not recognizable - Near complete or complete skeleton

Cause of Death: Unknown

Dentals: Available

Fingerprints: Not Available

DNA: Available

Doe Network Case Number: 3894UMGA

GBI Forensic Artist: Kelly Lawson