Roger D. Parham, 53, a fugitive from Arkansas wanted by the FBI in connection to a rape case involving a minor, was identified as the person whose remains were found in Lake Barkley, Kentucky in 1999. The gruesome discovery was made by two fishermen who found human remains wrapped in heavy tire chains and anchored with a hydraulic jack.
The Kentucky State Police, with the help of advanced DNA technology, finally identified the remains as those of Parham, a fugitive who had fled Arkansas in 1998. Parham’s death is being investigated as a homicide.
Parham had fled Arkansas and was possibly heading for Mexico after being released on bond following the rape charge. His bond was later revoked when he failed to appear in court, leading to a federal arrest warrant being issued on a charge of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
Despite extensive efforts using DNA technology, dental examinations, forensic pathology, and other advanced forensic testing, the victim remained unidentified until earlier this year.
Kentucky State Police began working with Othram Inc., a private laboratory specializing in forensic genealogy, which eventually led to a person related to Parham and the positive identification of his remains.
Dean Patterson, an investigative lieutenant with the state police post in Mayfield, said, “The crazy thing is you may do genealogy testing today and not get anything, then six months from now if somebody submits one of those kits on their own, you might get a hit. It’s really by chance.”
Relatives of Roger Parham in Oklahoma have been notified about the identification of his remains. The investigation into his death continues as authorities work to bring closure to this long-standing cold case.