DNA identifies Arkansas homicide victim 30 years after death

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Last seen over 30 years ago, William C. Reed's remains were identified in Oklahoma thanks to DNA technology.

April 13, 2019h

OKLAHOMA CITY — (AP) - An Arkansas man whose remains were found in Oklahoma has been identified more than 30 years after his death thanks to advances in DNA technology.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said Thursday it's investigating the killing of 32-year-old William C. Reed, who was last seen alive in Bentonville, Arkansas, in August 1987.

His skeletal remains were found almost a year later near Mazie, Oklahoma, about 80 miles (128 kilometers) west of Bentonville.

Reed's remains were identified after researchers at the University of North Texas extracted DNA from one of the victim's bones.

A DNA profile entered last month into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System was matched to Reed's brother and daughter, who submitted DNA in 2010 hoping it could locate him.