Remains found in Gilmer County almost 40 years ago from a homicide have now been identified according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).
The victim has been identified as David Clary.
Hunters found the remains on Aug. 9 in 1986 in a wooded area south of Ellijay.
The Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office asked the GBI for assistance and the medical examiner conducted an autopsy and ruled the manner of death as a homicide.
Officials investigated numerous leads to identify the victim to no avail.
In February of last year, the GBI partnered with the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and Othram, Inc. for the use of genetic technology and advanced DNA testing.
Based on the DNA, the investigative team consisting of Othram, the GBI, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) produced leads leading to Clary’s identification.
The criminal investigation into Clary’s death remains ongoing.
Clary grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina. At the time of his death he made frequent trips to Metro Atlanta and North Georgia. His last known location was Gwinnett County.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Cleveland at (706) 348-4866, the GBI Cold Case Unit at (404) 239-2106, or the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office at (706) 635-4646. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to the GBI’s tip line at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477) or at this link.
