ARLINGTON, Va. — More than a year after human remains were discovered inside an abandoned North Arlington property, investigators are still trying to put a name to the man they believe died there.
The Arlington County Police Department is asking for the public’s help after detectives exhausted current leads in the case, which began on Feb. 26, 2024.
Police were called around 4:48 p.m. to a recently purchased property in the 1300 block of North Taylor Street after someone conducting a walkthrough of the vacant building found human remains in the basement.
Detectives immediately opened a death investigation. While authorities said an official cause of death could not be determined, investigators have not found evidence pointing to foul play.
Since then, Arlington detectives have worked to identify the deceased and locate next of kin. DNA evidence was recovered, but investigators said no match has been found through the national Combined DNA Index System, commonly known as CODIS.
According to an anthropological examination, the remains are believed to belong to a man in his mid-50s to late 60s. Investigators said he was likely between 5-foot-8 and 6 feet tall and may have been of European ancestry with possible African admixture.
Police also released details about distinctive facial characteristics that could help someone recognize him. Those features include a heavy V-shaped brow ridge, a wide distance between the eyes, a rugged square chin, and numerous missing teeth.
With assistance from the FBI, composite sketches were created showing what the man may have looked like before his death.
The case remains active, and Arlington police say even small pieces of information could help finally identify the man and notify surviving family members.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Arlington County Police Department tip line at 703-228-4180.