Human remains discovered in 1980 have now been identified through the use of investigative genetic genealogy (IGG).
On Saturday, April 19, 1980, a hiker located human remains near the Hardwood Lookout Trail in Algonquin Park. As a result, members of the Whitney Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), began an extensive search with the assistance of the Ministry of Natural Resources. Over several days, a boot, a leather wallet, clothing, a sleeping bag, camping gear and additional human remains were located at the scene and examined by the Office of the Chief Coroner (OCC) and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service (OFPS).
It was determined that the deceased was a white male estimated to be between 18 and 21 years of age at the time of his death. Foul play was not suspected in his death.
It was initially estimated that the male had died sometime between July 1, 1971, and spring 1978. Further investigation narrowed the estimated time of death to approximately two years before the remains were discovered. Despite comparing the remains to several missing persons reports and issuing public appeals, the case remained unsolved.
On Thursday, March 23, 1995, additional human remains were discovered along the same trail. A jawbone located along the trail was examined by the OFPS and confirmed to belong to the human remains found in 1980. Although further searches were conducted, no additional remains or items were found.
In 2017, the OPP unveiled a three-dimensional clay facial reconstruction created by the OPP forensic artist. This generated dozens of tips, but despite investigation of the leads brought forward, none led to a confirmed identity.
The investigation continued and, in April 2022, the male’s DNA was submitted to the DNA Doe Project for IGG analysis in an attempt to determine his identity through family members. By September 2023, the presumptive identity was verified and used by CIB detectives to locate living family members. DNA from family members was used to confirm the male’s identity and the family was notified.
After more than four decades, the deceased has finally been identified as Eric (Ricky) Singer of Cleveland, Ohio. Ricky had last been seen at his parents’ residence in Berea, Ohio, on Thursday, October 4, 1973.
This summer, Ricky’s sisters travelled from the United States to walk the Hardwood Lookout Trail with investigators and visit the place where their brother spent his final days. Photos and an OPP video, featuring an overview of the case as well as interviews with investigators and Ricky’s sisters, are available at opp.ca/news. Members of the public can also visit the new IGG webpage at opp.ca/igg for additional information about how IGG is being used in OPP investigations.
The OPP would like to thank the public and the media for their continued interest in the investigation and the tips shared over the years. The investigation was completed under the direction of the CIB. Assistance was provided by members from various OPP detachments, including Whitney, Killaloe, Renfrew and Bancroft, as well as by the OCC, the OFPS and the DNA Doe Project.
“After years of uncertainty, a family now has the answers they’ve been longing for thanks to the investigative efforts from many OPP units, the Office of the Chief Coroner, the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service and the DNA Doe Project. Innovative tools such as investigative genetic genealogy are rewriting the possibilities for investigations, including historic cases. We’re deeply committed to continuing this important work and helping more families find the answers they deserve.”
– A/Senior Detective Inspector Sean Chatland, Programs, CIB
