In a breakthrough discovery, the partially dismembered human remains found in 1979 in a Chicago suburb have finally been identified. Through the use of DNA and forensic genealogy, authorities have determined that the remains belong to Joseph A. Caliva, a man who was 27 years old when he vanished.
The grim discovery was made in Barrington Hills, a picturesque village located about 40 miles northwest of Chicago. It was in August 1979 when a young boy out horseback riding stumbled upon the remains, which had been decapitated, burned, and were missing their arms. Despite extensive efforts, law enforcement was unable to identify the victim at the time.
Fast forward to last year when Barrington Hills police turned to Othram, a Texas-based genetic genealogy company known for its expertise in forensic DNA work. By extracting enough DNA from items found at the scene, Othram’s scientists were able to create a genetic profile. Using genetic databases with public profiles, genealogists were then able to trace the man’s relatives, ultimately leading to the identification of Linda Gressick as Caliva’s half-sister.
Gressick shared that her family had roots in Chicago and that Caliva, a former Marine who was employed by Chicago’s Streets and Sanitation department, had vanished in August 1979. The confirmation that the remains belonged to her half-brother has brought some closure, but Gressick is now determined to uncover the truth behind his disappearance.
The investigation also revealed a chilling pattern, with five torsos found in Cook County over a span of 16 months, including the remains of Caliva. Barrington Hills detectives are urging anyone who knew Caliva or has information about his disappearance to come forward and assist in the case.
Furthermore, a crowdfunding initiative has been set up to cover the costs associated with the forensic genetic genealogy work carried out by Othram. This marks a crucial step in bringing closure to the loved ones of Joseph A. Caliva and shedding light on a dark chapter in the village’s history.
If you have any information that could aid in the investigation, please contact Barrington Hills police at 847-551-3006 and reference case number 1979-2050..
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