Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have successfully identified the human remains discovered near a trail in Algonquin Park decades ago through the use of DNA analysis to locate family members. The investigative genetic genealogy technique led authorities to Eric Singer from Cleveland, Ohio, who was last seen at his parents’ residence in October 1973. Singer’s younger sister, Merry Lugasy, expressed gratitude and relief upon learning of her brother’s identification, stating, “He was identified, and we were able to lay him to rest, bringing closure to ourselves.”
Initial investigations conducted 45 years ago near Haliburton revealed camping gear, clothing, and additional remains in the vicinity of the Hardwood Lake Trail. Authorities at the time determined that the deceased individual was a white male in his early 20s and did not suspect foul play in his demise, which they estimated to have occurred within two years of the discovery. Despite public appeals and extensive review of missing persons reports, the man remained unidentified.
A breakthrough occurred in 2019 when the OPP adopted a new investigative approach, utilizing investigative genetic genealogy to match DNA samples from the scene with databases to construct potential family connections. This method also aided in identifying a body recovered from the Nation River in 1975 and in solving a 1996 fatal stabbing case on a bridge between Ottawa and Gatineau.
In Singer’s case, the OPP collaborated with the DNA Doe Project in 2022, culminating in the confirmation of his identity in 2023. His sister, Ruth Singer, recounted the emotional moment of receiving the news, reflecting on her brother’s aspirations of visiting Canada during the Vietnam War era. Singer’s sisters described him as a carefree, guitar-playing individual emblematic of the 1960s. The OPP noted that Singer’s siblings recently visited the location where his remains were discovered, bringing closure to a family that had long sought answers.
Lead investigator Det. Sgt. Philip Holmes emphasized the significance of the case, stating, “After years of uncertainty, a family now has the answers they’ve been longing for.” Acting senior Det. Insp. Sean Chatland highlighted the impact of innovative investigative tools like genetic genealogy in transforming the landscape of criminal investigations.
