Body found in river channel near Windsor, Ont., identified more than 21 years later

By: The Canadian Press Posted:

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Ontario Provincial Police say investigative genetic genealogy has helped them identify a man whose body was found near Windsor, Ont., more than 21 years ago.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 06/01/2025 (637 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Ontario Provincial Police say investigative genetic genealogy has helped them identify a man whose body was found near Windsor, Ont., more than 21 years ago.

They say the body was recovered from Detroit River’s Livingstone Channel just west of Amherstburg, Ont., in May 2003, and finally identified as 48-year-old Detroit resident James Raymond Stewart.

Police say several failed attempts had been made to identify the remains over the years.

Ontario Provincial Police say they have identified a man whose body was found near Windsor, Ont., more than 21 years ago using investigative genetic genealogy. An Ontario Provincial Police patch is seen in Ottawa, on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby
Ontario Provincial Police say they have identified a man whose body was found near Windsor, Ont., more than 21 years ago using investigative genetic genealogy. An Ontario Provincial Police patch is seen in Ottawa, on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby

The man’s DNA was submitted for genetic genealogy testing in February 2023 to determine his identity.

OPP say a family member’s DNA was used to confirm that the man was Stewart, who went missing in November 2002.

Police say the cause of death was undetermined but foul play was not suspected.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 6, 2025.

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