By Canadian Press

Missing persons DNA database helps identify remains of homeless Calgary man

Nov 26, 2019 | 11:53 AM

CALGARY — The body of a missing man has been identified through the national missing persons DNA databank in what Calgary police say is a first in Canada.

The database is operated by the RCMP and was established last year to help investigations into missing persons and unidentified remains.

Calgary police say the body of a homeless man was found in a tent at an encampment in 2017.

His death was not considered to be suspicious.

They say it took a year for a DNA sample to be prepared, and there was a match once it was submitted to the databank and compared with 500,000 profiles.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

7h ago

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

13h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

'Compassionate Friends' offer peer support for bereaved in Medicine Hat

Dec 11, 2024

The man hasn’t been publicly identified but was originally from eastern Canada.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2019.

The Canadian Press