St. Louis Police Use Forensic Technology to Identify Man Found in River After Years of Mystery
ST. LOUIS, MO — After more than five years of unanswered questions, cutting-edge forensic technology has helped bring long-awaited closure to a mysterious case. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) announced that they have positively identified a man whose body was found in the River Des Peres in July 2020, using advanced DNA profiling techniques.
The man has been identified as Jeremy Blair Clemons, 42, marking a significant development in a case that had gone cold despite investigators’ efforts.
Discovery in 2020
Clemons’ body was discovered on the evening of July 17, 2020, around 8:30 p.m., near the intersection of River Des Peres and Chippewa in south St. Louis. At the time, little was known about the circumstances of his death, and investigators were unable to identify the victim due to the condition of the remains and a lack of documentation or distinguishing information.
Despite the best efforts of detectives, including public outreach and conventional forensic efforts, the man’s identity remained a mystery—until now.
Breakthrough Through DNA Forensics
Thanks to the work of Othram Inc., a private forensic lab specializing in advanced DNA analysis and genetic genealogy, a DNA profile was successfully developed from the victim’s remains. Othram’s innovative techniques have helped solve numerous cold cases across the country, and this case proved no different.
Working in coordination with SLMPD detectives, Othram’s team used forensic-grade genome sequencing to create a detailed DNA profile. This information, along with genealogical research, eventually led to a match with family members of Jeremy Blair Clemons. After confirmation through additional testing and investigative work, his identity was officially verified.
The Clemons family has since been notified, bringing some level of closure after years of uncertainty.
Ongoing Investigation
While Clemons’ identity is now known, the circumstances surrounding his death are still under scrutiny. Authorities have not officially ruled it a homicide, but the SLMPD Homicide Division is actively treating it as a suspicious death pending further investigation.
Police have not disclosed additional information about the condition of Clemons’ body, potential injuries, or any personal items recovered at the scene. The area where his body was found is near a heavily trafficked corridor that runs through several neighborhoods, increasing the likelihood that someone may have seen or heard something relevant.
Appeal for Public Assistance
Investigators are urging anyone with information about Jeremy Clemons’ activities leading up to July 17, 2020 — or the circumstances that may have led to his death — to come forward.
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Members of the public can contact the Homicide Division directly at (314) 444-5371.
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Those who wish to remain anonymous may reach out to CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477).
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Authorities have noted that if the case is ultimately classified as a criminal act, a reward may be offered for information that leads to an arrest or prosecution.
Legacy of a Life Lost Too Soon
Little is currently known about Jeremy Clemons’ life, but the confirmation of his identity has opened the door for friends, family, and the community to remember him as more than an anonymous statistic. He was a son, possibly a brother, a friend — a man whose story, once stalled, can now begin to be told.
This case highlights not only the emotional toll of unidentified victims on families but also the evolving role of forensic technology in modern investigations. With tools like those used by Othram, police departments are increasingly able to revisit cold cases and finally give names back to those who had been lost to time.
A Message from SLMPD
“We are grateful to the forensic experts who assisted in identifying Mr. Clemons and to the community for their continued support,” said an SLMPD spokesperson. “This case remains a priority, and we urge anyone with knowledge of Mr. Clemons’ whereabouts or relationships around the time of his death to come forward. No piece of information is too small.”
Conclusion
The identification of Jeremy Blair Clemons is a crucial step forward in unraveling the mystery surrounding his death. As the investigation moves ahead, the St. Louis community joins his family in mourning his loss and hoping for justice.