[Case Resolution] Oldest Remains from 1844 identified as Captain Henry Goodsell

York Democratic Press, Friday, 12/20/1844 – page 2

Intermountain Forensics is honored to have contributed to one of the oldest cold case identifications ever resolved through Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG)—the identification of skeletal remains found along the New Jersey shoreline as Captain Henry Goodsell, a 29-year-old seafarer lost at sea in 1844.

Between 1995 and 2013, skeletal remains were discovered across multiple beach locations in South Jersey, including Longport (1995), Margate (1999), and Ocean City (2013). Despite significant forensic efforts, these remains were collectively referred to as “Scattered Man John Doe.”

In 2023, the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) partnered with Ramapo College of New Jersey Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center for FIGG services for this case. In November, a sample was sent to Intermountain Forensics for Whole Genome Sequencing in which we were able to develop a SNP DNA profile.

For almost a year, the IGG team volunteered their time and researched this case thoroughly. Finally, armed with both genealogical and historical evidence, the IGG team delivered Captain Goodsell as a candidate. His identity was formally confirmed on April 8, 2025 after NJSP obtained a DNA reference sample from one of Goodsell’s great-great-grandchildren.

We want to congratulate the New Jersey State Police and the team at Ramapo College IGG Center for their dedication to this historic case leading to the identification of Captain Goodsell.