By Althea Johnson, University Communications and Marketing
University of South Florida researchers, in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies and the Florida Sheriff’s Association Cold Case Commission, hosted the second annual Missing in Florida Day. The goal of the event is to help solve violent crime cold cases through anthropology, scientific research, education and forensic art.
Erin Kimmerle, director of the Florida Institute for Forensic Anthropology and Applied Science at USF spoke with the media, along with Citrus County Sheriff Michael Prendergast. Several families of missing persons were in attendance and shared their experiences in the long-term search for their loved ones. This includes Donna Pettis, the daughter of Don Lewis (who was featured in the Netflix series “Tiger King”), who went missing in 1997 from Tampa, as well as Drew and Joyce Kesse, the parents of Jennifer Kesse, who went missing in 2006 from Orlando.
Kimmerle also unveiled six new digital facial reconstructions created from skeletal remains and/or autopsy photographs. These reconstructions will assist families with making possible identifications.
“There’s a heavy burden on families in that situation to know how to talk to the media, know how to get public help," Kimmerle said. "The number one way in which missing children found safe and well is by the fact that someone recognizes a picture.”
USF Associate Professor Erin Kimmerle
Mary Jones spoke with reporters about the disappearance of her brother
Facial reconstructions of missing persons
Mary Jones flew to Tampa from Indianapolis with hopes of finding her brother, Brad
Farrington. He disappeared in 2013 at the age of 42.
"It's hard to navigate a situation like this because it's so emotional. I've spent years trying to find my brother and talking to different departments like this is invaluable," she said.
This statewide initiative provides resources to the families of missing persons and spreads awareness about cases in Florida. During the event, family members were able to file a missing persons report, update biometrics and submit DNA samples for genetic testing for new and existing cases at no cost. All missing persons reports will be entered into the system regardless of jurisdiction.
Representatives from law enforcement agencies across the state -- including sheriff’s offices from Hillsborough, Hernando and Citrus counties, the Tampa Police Department and the St. Petersburg Police Department -- were also in attendance.
More details about the event can be found here.