Lost at Sea: Forensic DNA testing identifies remains found 33 years ago

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

In December of 1987 the 70-foot commercial fishing vessel “Midnight Sun” capsized while attempting to enter Humboldt Bay during a storm. The skipper of the vessel survived, one of his crew members drowned and his body was recovered.  Two other crew members, including Milton Leon Pelligrini Jr, went missing and have never been found. On 02-09-1991 the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) responded to Houda Point (near Trinidad) for a report of human remains being found. A human mandible was recovered after a search of the area. Missing persons cases stay open until solved.

A DNA sample was obtained from the mandible and entered into both the California Missing Person DNA Database and National Unidentified Person DNA index. The DNA profile was searched against profiles from both missing persons and other human remains in the Combined Index System. No match was ever made.

In December of 2022 the HCSO partnered with Othram, a private company, to determine if advanced forensic DNA testing could help identify a back log of unidentified recovered human remains. A DNA extract from the mandible was sent to Othram.  Othram scientists used forensic Genome sequencing to build a comprehensive DNA profile for the unknown remains. Once the profile was built, Othram’s in-house genealogy team used forensic genetic genealogy to produce investigative leads. In mid-April of 2024 the HCSO received the Othram report indicating the DNA profile may belong to Milton Pelligrini. The report included genetic relatives, including a possible brother named Paul from the Eureka area. Investigators were able to contact Paul who confirmed his brother, Milton, was lost at sea. A DNA sample was obtained from Paul and compared to the DNA from the Mandible which came back as a match.

The HCSO would like to thank Othram, and the California Department of Justice DNA lab for assisting in solving this case.  The HCSO is continuing to work with Othram on several other unidentified remains investigations utilizing the latest DNA technology.  If you have any information regarding a missing person, or cold homicide please contact Investigator Mike Fridley at 707-441-3024

Undated Photo of Milton Leon Pelligrini Jr.