Mom’s DNA swab identifies man missing since 2020

Lawrenceville police investigators and a forensic team have identified skeletal remains found near Highway 316 more than a year after they were discovered by construction workers.

Investigators sent a bone fragment to Othram, a DNA lab in The Woodlands, Texas. Scientists extracted genetic material from inside the bone and constructed a DNA profile unique to a person on earth.

“We are working to create comprehensive DNA profiles from this evidence using what we call forensic-grade genome sequencing,” said Colby Lasyone, chief of staff at Othram.

This profile was managed through familial DNA databases, the same technology used for consumer ancestry kits, to search for living relatives.

Timothy Mitchell Williams was last seen alive on July 18, 2020. During his last conversation with his mother, he insisted that she keep her cell phone and told her that he would call her later. He never did.

When investigators contacted the family, his mother took a swab from his cheek. His DNA matched that of the remains and scientists were able to make an identification.

Williams was a loyal son, brother and friend, according to Lawrenceville police. He was an avid ski athlete, animal lover and business owner.

This is the second Lawrenceville case solved in two weeks using Othram technology.

Two weeks ago, the same lab helped identify a suspect in a series of rapes in 1986, leading to the arrest of 66-year-old Glenn Daniel Plybon.

“You may not have heard from law enforcement in years, but that doesn’t mean we’re not still fighting for justice,” said Captain Dena Pauly of the Lawrenceville Police Department.

Lasyone said the work never gets old.

“With answers, you can often find peace and help you chart your path to healing,” he said.

The investigation into Williams’ death remains active.

The identification was a joint effort by the Lawrenceville Police Department, the Gwinnett County Medical Examiner’s Office, GBI forensic artist Kelly Lawson, and the Othram DNA Lab.

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