Remains confirmed those of missing Ogden man; rapid DNA test used

A rapid DNA test helped identify the missing man whose remains were found on a mountainside trail managed by the Ogden Nature Center. Photo: Gephardt Daily/Nancy Van Valkenburg

OGDEN, Utah, June 21, 2019 (Gephardt Daily) — Bones discovered by hikers on a mountainside managed by the Ogden Nature Center have been identified as those of a man reported missing 11 months earlier.

A rapid DNA analysis verified the bones found on March 17 of this year are those of 29-year-old Mark Myres, of Ogden.

Myres had been missing since May 4, 2018.

The cause of death is unknown.

“The Weber County Sheriff’s Department and the AG’s Office are pleased that the use of the Rapid DNA technology is able to provide answers to Mr. Myres’ family,” said Special Agent Nate Mutter, with the Attorney General’s Office. “We’d like to express our condolences for their loss.”

Rapid DNA testing was first used by the Utah Attorney General’s Office in 2018, a statement from that office says.

“About the size of a printer, this technology allows law enforcement to analyze evidence on the crime scene and deliver results within a couple of hours. This timing is significantly shorter than the typical turnaround time often needed for DNA analysis.”

Since its integration into the Attorney General’s Office, Rapid DNA has helped solve a myriad of cases, the statement says.

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