Police have released composite sketches of a man whose remains were found in a vacant Ballston home more than two years ago, hoping the public can help identify him.
The remains were discovered on Feb. 26, 2024 by the new owners of an abandoned property on the 1300 block of N. Taylor Street. The owners came across the remains in the basement during a walkthrough of the recently purchased home. Police were dispatched just before 5 p.m. and immediately launched a death investigation.
An official cause of death could not be determined, but the investigation has not revealed signs of foul play, the Arlington County Police Department said.
DNA recovered from the remains has not produced a match in the national Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), and detectives say they have exhausted all current leads in their efforts to identify the deceased and notify next of kin.
With the FBI’s help, ACPD has now released composite drawings depicting how the man may have appeared in life.
“Based on an anthropological examination, the remains are believed to be a male of European ancestry with possible African admixture, in his mid-50’s to late-60’s and approximately 5’8″ [to 6′] tall,” police said in a press release. “Facial features may include a heavy V-shaped central brow ridge, wide interorbital distance, pronounced anterior nasal spine, missing numerous teeth and a rugged square chin.”
The investigation remains active. Anyone with information that could help identify the man is asked to contact ACPD’s tip line at 703-228-4180 or [email protected]. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Arlington County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
