Human remains discovered in Walnut Creek belonged to an Olean woman who was reported missing last year.

According to the Milcreek Township Police Department, the remains belonged to Rebecca (Foley) Hakes. Relatives reported Hakes missing during the third quarter of 2024.

The remains were discovered on Oct. 24, 2024, near the northern edge of the Millcreek Mall property. 

An autopsy determined that the remains were those of an adult female who showed no sign of trauma or natural disease. 

Millcreek police partnered with Othram Inc., a Texas-based company specializing in forensic genetic genealogy. DNA extracted from the remains was analyzed and compared to publicly accessible DNA profiles. Genealogists at Othram and investigators from Millcreek Township Police and the Erie (Pa.) Police Department collaborated to build potential genetic networks connected to the remains.

As possible relatives were identified, investigators conducted numerous phone interviews in search of individuals willing to provide DNA samples. A genetic network centered around McKean and Potter counties in Pennsylvania and Cattaraugus County in New York was eventually identified. Following additional interviews, two DNA samples were submitted to Othram by potential relatives.

Those samples allowed Othram to conclusively identify the remains as belonging to Hakes.

After nearly three decades of investigation, law enforcement officials have identified the now-deceased suspect who they believe raped several elderly women in Bastrop Co. between 1997 and 2005. The suspect, Emory Earl McVay, of Smithville, died in 2010 at 48 years old.

Back on March 27, 2004, an elderly woman was asleep in her bed when an unknown man broke into her Bastrop Co. home and sexually assaulted her. After reporting the assault to local authorities, investigators collected DNA and submitted it to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) — a national database used to check for possible DNA matches between arrestees and unsolved cases nationwide — through the Texas Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) Crime Laboratory Division. Later that year, in October 2004, the DPS Crime Laboratory in Austin notified the Texas Rangers of a possible DNA match between the 2004 case and another sexual assault from July 1997 involving a male suspect breaking into an elderly woman’s residence in Smithville. 

The following year, DPS’ Crime Laboratory notified the Texas Rangers of a possible DNA match with a third sexual assault cold case with a similar narrative from July 2005. It was clear there was a serial rapist in Bastrop Co. Investigators continued to collect several DNA samples from potential suspects, but none yielded a positive match. 

Then, in 2021, the Texas Rangers identified the case as eligible for testing and comparison through DPS’ Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) program. The program is funded by the Department of Justice/Bureau of Justice Assistance (DOJ/BJA), which provides investigative funding for agencies across the United States to further unsolved sexual assaults and sexually related homicides, aiming to bring justice to the victims and their families. On Aug. 11, 2021, Bode Technologies began conducting additional Advanced DNA testing and genealogy research on the samples obtained from the 1997, 2004 and 2005 sexual assaults. 

Finally, in August 2025, after several years of advanced testing and research, investigators received a positive match with a male suspect from Bastrop Co.: Emory Earl McVay. It was later learned that McVay had been deceased for more than a decade, and no arrests were made. Of note, McVay had a lengthy criminal history in Central Texas, which included multiple convictions for burglary.  

The Texas Rangers would like to thank the Bastrop Co. Sheriff’s Office, Bastrop Co. District Attorney’s Office, Smithville Police Department, Bode Technologies and members of DPS’ Austin and CODIS Crime Laboratories for their dedication, which ultimately led to McVay’s identification. Cases like this highlight the importance of collaborative investigative work between the Texas Rangers and our partner law enforcement agencies to keep unsolved cases alive, ultimately bringing closure to victims’ families and the community.

For the second time, the Hampden District Attorney’s office is asking people in the Brimfield area to contribute DNA samples to help solve a 32-year-old murder.

On Nov. 9, the office will set up in the town’s Public Safety Complex, at 34 Wales Road, and take DNA samples of willing residents through cheek swabs.

The goal is to use information gathered to generate new leads into the murder of Holly Piirainen. She was 10 when she went missing in the summer of 1993 from her grandparents’ home in Sturbridge. Her body was found that October in woods off Five Bridge Road in Brimfield.

The cold-case approach being taken is called Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy, or FIGG.

By using an expanded DNA database, investigators can compare DNA gathered from a crime scene to publicly available genealogy databases. That enables them to ID distant relatives of as-yet unknown suspects. Materials discovered with Holly’s remains have been maintained by the Massachusetts State Police.

In a statement, the DA’s office said investigators “use those connections to build family trees, narrow down possibilities, and, in some cases, identify offenders who have eluded justice for decades.”

By participating, people will receive information on their own family ancestry.

“Each new DNA sample has the power to bring us closer to the truth,” District Attorney Anthony Gulluni said in a statement. “Holly deserves justice, and her family deserves answers. This effort is about remembering her and using every available tool to find the person responsible.”

The office said the case remains open and active.

Anyone with information related to Holly’s murder can contact Holly’s Tip-Line at 413-426-3507. People can also use Text-a-Tip by texting the word CRIMES (2-7-4-6-3-7) and typing the word SOLVE into the body of the message, followed by the tip

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Wassabec Genealogy Chapter will be holding a meeting on Sunday, Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. at the Thompson Free Public Library. There will be a small business meeting and program presented by Estella and Wayne Bennett on researching military veterans.

The public is welcome to attend and light refreshments will be provided. If further information is needed contact the Bennetts at 207-876-3073.

The folloowing is a press release written by then folks at the Augusta (Georgia) Genealogical Society:

Augusta Genealogical Society 

Augusta, Georgia 

November 15, 2025, Virtual Genealogical Program

Ship Manifests: An In-Depth Look

Presented by Rich Venezia

Ship manifests are the “go-to” record to find immigrant arrivals in the 1800s and 1900s. Discover all the different information they can tell us.
 Audience Level: All 

This lecture provides a deep dive into some of the most commonly used records in immigrant research and how they may surprise us – including how subsequent notations on ship manifests and an overview of the various indexes available could lead to more discoveries.

Rich Venezia is a New Jersey native who now calls Philadelphia home and specializes in twentieth-century immigration research. He has coordinated for IGHR, GRIP, and SLIG, is a TEDx alum, and records access advocate. He founded Rich Roots Genealogy in 2013. He was a member of the research team of Genealogy Roadshow (PBS) for two seasons and also consulted on Follow Your Past (Travel Channel). He is an expert in the research of 20th-century immigrant ancestors, especially underutilized record sources and federal records. He also specializes in Italian and Irish research. Additionally, he assists clients with dual citizenship applications for Ireland and Italy and is a proud Italian dual citizen. He holds a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University. He lectures nationwide and spoke at TEDx Pittsburgh 2017.

When:  Saturday, November 15, 2025

Time:  11:00 am - 12:00 pm EST

Where:  Online 

Price:   FREE to AGS members and $10 for nonmembers

The registration deadline is Thursday, November 12

AGS November Program - Augusta Genealogical Society

Click the above link to register for the program

Limited seating is available to view the virtual presentation at the Adamson Library in Augusta, Georgia.  ​To reserve a seat, please call (706) 722-4073.

JOIN AGS NOW and enjoy the benefits of programs that are free to members.  

The Augusta Genealogical Society is a non-profit organization founded in Augusta, Georgia , in September 1979

Celebrate American Indian Heritage Month by listening to some of North Carolina’s American Indians discuss their history in their own voices during an upcoming virtual Lunch and Learn program “Listening to our Elders: the American Indian Heritage Commission Oral History Project” hosted by the State Archives. The State Archives is part of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

In December 2022, the American Indian Heritage Commission, with the State Archives of North Carolina, embarked on capturing the living memory and experiences of American Indians throughout the state. Project staff will present that project, weaving what they learned from the elders with what they took from the process. Discussions will include how to set up an oral history project and conduct interviews.

The event is scheduled Nov. 5, from noon to 1 p.m. Register in advance, https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_aA9ml57tQzSPK9VM5idAUw For more information, contact Danielle Shirilla, dani.shirilla@dncr.nc.gov; 919-814-6881.

About the State Archives
The State Archives serves as the custodian of North Carolina's historical records, preserving and providing public access to a wealth of archival materials. Through its diverse collections, educational programs, and exhibitions, the State Archives plays a crucial role in promoting an understanding and appreciation of North Carolina's rich historical legacy. Learn more at archives.ncdcr.gov.

About the American Indian Heritage Commission
The North Carolina American Indian Heritage Commission advises and assists the Secretary of Natural and Cultural Resources in the preservation, interpretation, and promotion of American Indian history, arts, customs, and culture. Explore projects and resources at aihc.nc.gov.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.

A Des Moines cemetery that was recognized as part of the National Park Service Underground Railroad Network to Freedom received a special honor Saturday morning that organizers hope will educate others and share a piece of history.

Back in 2021, the Woodland Cemetery in Des Moines was formally accepted into the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.

On Saturday, a special grave marker was dedicated to memoralize that. It says "At rest in Woodland Cemetery are 15 escaped slaves and conductors--all part of the Underground Railroad. They risked everything to claim their liberty or so others could do so".

Ricki King, a genealogist historian, worked with two students back in 2019 on the project that led to the cemetery being accepted into the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. She says since then, they've been able to connect with some families of those buried at the cemetery. However, she would like to continue connecting with more.

"We found the history. We have to find living heirs to we can recgnize them and let them know what their family history is," said King. "They might not even know their family is even buried here or...it's slavery, you know. People don't want to talk about it. They might not even know that they were runaway slaves to begin with."

King and others involved in the project hope the marker and the site will provide an educational experience for anyone who passes by.

"If you go to their headstones, you can scan a QR code and get their full story or you go to the National Park Services online and get the actual paperwork we filled out with the full story on the enslaved here," said King

Fairfax County Police Department

Robin Warr Lawrence was 37 years old in 1994 when someone broke into her Virginia home and stabbed her 49 times ... killing her and leaving her 2-year-old daughter alone for two days until a neighbor discovered her body.

For years, police couldn't find a culprit ... until new DNA testing led them to a man who claims he would've been a serial killer if not for his wife and children.

Warr and Lawrence Family

The whole story's being laid out in a new episode of "48 Hours" which will introduce the world to Stephan Smerk ... the man who last year pled guilty to murdering Robin and was sentenced to 70 years in prison in March 2025.

At the original crime scene in November 1994, DNA evidence was collected -- specifically blood from a bathroom towel. DNA science was still in its relative infancy -- this is before the O.J. Simpson trial, for example -- and the evidence brought back no immediate suspects.

Fairfax County Police Department

However, Parabon NanoLabs -- a company making huge leaps in genetic genealogy and DNA phenotyping -- and investigators were able to generate a suspect profile that matched a relative of Smerk's.

Cops met Smerk outside his home in New York while he was taking out the trash ... and, they asked him for a DNA swab which he voluntarily provided. Shortly after he called them and turned himself in for the murder.

According to Smerk, he was an active-duty soldier stationed near Northern Virginia who felt compelled to kill. He left the barracks, chose Robin's house randomly, broke in and murdered her.

He stunningly told cops ... "I honestly believe that if it wasn't for my wife and my kids, I probably would be a serial killer." Smerk later moved to the Empire State and lived a quiet life as a software engineer.

After he killed Robin, Smerk told cops he took a shower, got rid of his clothes ... then just continued on with his life as if nothing happened. Smerk also told cops he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the murder.

Fairfax County Police Department

Robin's husband asked a neighbor to check on her after not hearing from her for several days ... and, when they arrived, the neighbor found the back door open and called for Robin's daughter. The daughter was treated for dehydration after she was found.

Smerk pleaded guilty to first degree-murder in Virginia last year and received his 70-year sentence. At this point, 70 years is essentially a life sentence considering Smerk is now in his 50s.

As part of our ongoing effort to digitize Korean War draft cards, we are pleased to announce the addition of newly digitized Korean War Era Draft Registration Cards from the following states:

• Arizona
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Dakota
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Washington

In 1948, President Harry S. Truman reinstated the Selective Service Act, requiring all men aged 18-25 to register for the draft. Thus, a draft registration card from this era does not necessarily indicate that the registrant served in the war.

Korean War era draft cards contain information for registrants, including:

• Name, birthdate, place of birth
• Residence
• Next of kin (someone who will always know your address)
• Marital status
• Previous military service
• Occupation
• Physical description

Explore these newly released Korean War Era Draft Registration Cards, 1948-1959, on Fold3 today!

The Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library is holding a free genealogy symposium to explore how DNA testing can uncover family history, trace stories and connect people with relatives.

The event will feature professional genealogist Kathleen Brandt who, in addition to being an international genealogist, is also a private investigator, consultant and published freelance writer. Brandt is the author of blog.a3Genealogy.com, an educational and skill building blog that explores carious cultural and ethnic folk life traditions, as well as history and genealogy research tips.

Attendees can expect to learn how DNA testing works, what kind of results to expect and how to use them to discover relatives and ancestors that would have otherwise been unknown. The symposium will be from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15 in the library’s Marvin Auditorium.