Mystery surrounds Charlotte man’s remains found in Georgia woods in 1986, feds say
.jpg "Authorities hope the public can help solve the mystery of Charlotte resident David Clary’s death in north Georgia woods in 1986.")
What happened to David Clary?
Authorities hope the public can help solve the mystery after genetic technology recently identified remains found by hunters in Georgia woods in 1986 as the Charlotte resident.
Clary grew up in Charlotte, Georgia Bureau of Investigation agents said in a recent news release. At the time of his death, he made frequent trips to the Atlanta area and north Georgia, investigators said.
“His last known location was in Gwinnett County,” according to the agency.
An autopsy at the time revealed the manner of death as homicide, investigators said.
Leads led nowhere, federal agents say
The remains were found on Saturday, Aug. 9, 1986, south of Elijay in Gilmer County, GBI agents said.
“The GBI and the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office investigated numerous leads to identify the remains, but to no avail,” according to the March 24 statement.
In February 2024, the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Cleveland and GBI Cold Case Unit partnered with the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and Texas-based Othram Inc. to conduct advanced DNA testing, GBI agents said.
Othram uses “forensic-grade genome sequencing to develop comprehensive genealogical profiles,” according to the GBI.
Based on the DNA, a genealogical search by Othram, the GBI and FBI produced leads that led to Clary’s identification.
Reporting clues
Investigators ask anyone with information about Clary to call 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 be made on the GBI Tip Line at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477) and online, at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online
This story was originally published March 30, 2025 at 8:30 AM with the headline "Mystery surrounds Charlotte man’s remains found in Georgia woods in 1986, feds say."