A test of DNA submitted by relatives of a Battle Creek man who disappeared 30 years ago shows he died in Arkansas in 1989.

Police records show that Charles Cornell was thought to be "voluntarily missing". However, earlier this year the case came to the attention of the Rockford post of the Michigan State Police. Family members were told to file a police report and subsequently DNA test shows Cornell was hit by a semi truck in Arkansas almost 30 years ago. So while the result was sad and tragic, at least the family has some closure as to Cornell's fate.

“Cases like this highlight the importance of families of missing people getting their DNA on file in CODIS. It is never too late,” said Krebs. “Without that link, the Cornell family may have never known what had happened to Charles. Without that link, the Cornell family may have never known what had happened to Charles.

 

- D/Sgt. Sarah Krebs, Michigan State Police

The Michigan State Police says this is the 67th case solved by their missing person unit and 32nd involving DNA.

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