A Woodlands forensic lab has put a name to a murder victim who went unidentified for 47 years.

Othram, the DNA laboratory at 2829 Technology Forest Blvd., used advanced genome sequencing and genetic genealogy to identify Emma Lee Jordan. Jordan's remains were found near Robertsville, Missouri, on Nov. 15, 1979, according to Forensic Magazine. She was 21 years old and had been reported missing in January 1979.

Her death was ruled a homicide. For nearly five decades, investigators could not determine who she was.

Evidence in the case arrived at Othram's Woodlands lab in March 2025. Scientists developed a DNA extract from the degraded material and used what the company calls Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing to build a genetic profile. Othram's forensic genealogy team then ran a genealogy search that produced new leads for law enforcement.

Investigators identified a potential relative who provided a DNA sample. That sample was compared to the victim's profile using Othram's KinSNP testing, and the match confirmed the victim was Jordan, born Feb. 11, 1957.

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office, St. Louis County Medical Examiner's Office and Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Laboratory all worked with Othram on the case.

Missouri State Rep. Tricia Byrnes of Wentzville sponsored legislation in 2024 that secured $1.5 million in state funding for the Highway Patrol's efforts to identify unidentified remains through forensic genetic genealogy. That funding helped enable the work in Jordan's case, according to Forensic Magazine.

Jordan's identification marks the 29th publicly announced case in Missouri where investigators have used Othram's technology to identify an individual.