TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — 26-years later thanks to new technology and continued investigation, police have identified the remains of a cold case victim found in Terre Haute.
According to Indiana State Police, the case originated in January of 1998 when a state highway employee found skeletal remains along Fruitridge Avenue near the Interstate 70 overpass.
Police say the remains are those of Mitchell Preston, of Anderson, Ind. Preston had been reported missing in August of 1997, and was 47-years-old at the time of his disappearance.
An organization called Othram, which specializes in forensic genetic genealogy reportedly developed a DNA profile which produced new leads in 2023. Investigators then followed those leads to contact potential family members and perform additional DNA testing to identify the remains.
Police said Preston was said to have been attempting to travel to California by foot. However, the mystery of his cause of death remains unsolved. Police are now asking for the public's help in the investigation. Police released an image of Mitchell Preston that was taken in 1993.
"Anyone with information please contact Indiana State Police Cold Case Team, Trooper Detective Brad Miller at 1-800-225-8576. This is an active investigation, and all tips will be investigated and can remain anonymous," An ISP news release reads.