ARIZONA NEWS

Remains found in Arizona desert identified through genetic investigation

Aug 3, 2023, 12:00 PM

Human remains found two years ago in the desert in Golden Valley, Arizona, have been identified as ...

Human remains found two years ago in the desert in Golden Valley, Arizona, have been identified as Christopher Canning. (Mohave County Sheriff's Office and Creative Commons Photos)

(Mohave County Sheriff's Office and Creative Commons Photos)

PHOENIX – Human remains found in the desert in northwestern Arizona two years ago have been identified through a genetic genealogy investigation, authorities said Thursday.

The remains belong to Christopher Canning, 60, of Golden Valley, the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office announced.

An official cause of death could not be determined because of the state of the remains, but foul play isn’t suspected, the sheriff’s office said.

Canning was reported missing by a family member on May 15, 2021. A citizen found the remains in a remote desert wash Oct. 15 of that year.

Mohave County detectives worked with Othram Inc., a private laboratory that specializes in forensic genealogy, to identify Canning.

Othram performed DNA testing and forensic-grade genome sequencing on a sample of the remains and made the identification Monday.

Othram helps on multiple Mohave County cold cases

It was at least the fourth time this year that Othram helped Mohave County detectives identify human remains.

In January, the company cracked a 52-year-old cold case by helping identify a body found east of Kingman in 1971 as Colleen Audrey Rice.

In April, remains found in Golden Valley in January 2021 were identified as 56-year-old Brian Crain.

In July, a human skull found in Golden Valley in September 2022 was identified as 30-year-old Jordan Victor Carvalho.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

A crash involving a truck carrying oxygen created a hazmat situation in Glendale....

Kevin Stone

Crash involving truck carrying oxygen creates hazmat situation in Glendale

A multivehicle crash involving a truck carrying oxygen created a hazmat situation in Glendale on Wednesday morning.

4 minutes ago

What happened before man found dead by suicide in Mesa?...

Serena O'Sullivan

Suspect in fatal shooting found dead by apparent suicide in Mesa, police say

A Mesa man accused of fatally shooting a man in his 30s in a domestic violence incident on Tuesday was found dead by suicide, police said.

1 hour ago

Karrin Taylor Robson...

Kevin Stone

Karrin Taylor Robson announces 2nd run for governor of Arizona

Karrin Taylor Robson, who unsuccessfully ran for governor of Arizona in 2022, announced Wednesday she is running again in 2026.

3 hours ago

Phoenix police officers shot and killed a suspect near Williams Field and and Higley roads in Gilbe...

KTAR.com

Man killed, woman wounded in overnight shooting involving Phoenix police officers in Gilbert

A man was killed and a woman was injured in an overnight shooting involving Phoenix Police Department officers in Gilbert, authorities said Wednesday.

4 hours ago

A Scottsdale estate with a Jordan shoe display and a full basketball gym was listed for $23.5 milli...

Kevin Stone

Furnished Scottsdale estate with basketball gym, Jordan sneaker display listed for $23.5M

A basketball lover’s dream home is on the market in north Scottsdale, but you better have plenty of space under your salary cap if you want to buy it.

5 hours ago

Follow @KTAR923...

Sponsored Content by Bright Wealth Management

How updating your estate plan is crucial in saving money

As you map out your estate plan, mapping out beneficiaries and keeping it up to date is key in order for the most funds possible to be passed down with ease.

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How IRAs are a helpful tool in retirement planning

When it comes to retirement planning, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) can be a great tool for income growth.

...

Fiesta Bowl Foundation

Join us for the 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade

The 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe returns on Saturday, December 28, at 10 a.m.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to save money on retirement planning following 2024 election

PHOENIX -- With the 2024 election over, economic changes could impact how people plan for retirement as 2025 is on the horizon.

Remains found in Arizona desert identified through genetic investigation