Project Match identifies body of missing Erum Kamal [Video]

Using DNA and genetic genealogy, local police and RCMP have closed a 23-year-old missing persons case in Edmonton.

In August 2023, the remains of a woman were found at a survey site near 153 Avenue and 17 Street. They were identified on Monday as those of 24-year-old Erum Kamal, who was last seen near Walterdale Hill on Aug. 28, 2001.

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The case was solved by Project Match, a collaboration between the Edmonton Police Service, RCMP and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Investigators first submitted DNA from the remains to the National DNA Bank of Canada.

When that was unsuccessful, police said funding from the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women was used for genetic genealogy testing, which was able to provide ethnic information about the woman.

Police said that led investigators to …