新南威尔士州警方近日通过DNA分析取得重要进展，确定2004年在蓝山地区发现的遗体所有人可能具有拉脱维亚或中欧血统[1]。这具遗体于2004年6月4日在Katoomba的Echo Point灌木丛中被发现，身份之谜已长达22年[1]。警方估计死者年龄当时超过60岁，身高约178厘米，中等体型，浅灰色头发并有前额秃顶[1]。
根据发现时的穿着特征，死者身穿蓝色纽扣衬衫、红色开衫、米色夹克、蓝色灯芯绒裤、黑色腰带和棕色工作靴[1]。现场发现的个人卫生用品表明他可能无家可归或在两处住所之间流动[1]。冠状病理调查对此作出"开放性裁定"[1]。
警方认为死者可能在1950年代至2000年代初期移居澳大利亚[1]。Superintendent John Nelson表示，警方正向社区呼吁提供信息，寻找"自2000年代初期失踪、可能具有拉脱维亚或中欧血统的男子"[1]。同时，警方请求拉脱维亚社区成员提供DNA样本，以协助破解这桩长期悬案[1]。
New South Wales police have released DNA analysis findings that may help identify a man whose remains were discovered in Australia's Blue Mountains two decades ago.[1] The skeletal remains were found on June 4, 2004, in bushland at Echo Point near Katoomba in the Blue Mountains region.[1] Genetic testing indicates the individual likely possessed Latvian or Central European heritage.[1]
The unidentified man was estimated to be over 60 years old at the time of death.[1] He stood approximately 178 centimeters tall with a medium build, light gray hair, and male pattern baldness.[1] When discovered, he was wearing a blue button-up shirt, red cardigan, beige jacket, blue corduroy trousers, black belt, and brown work boots.[1] Personal hygiene items found with the remains suggest he may have been homeless or living between multiple residences.[1] A coronial inquiry returned an open finding in the case.[1]
Police now believe the man may have immigrated to Australia sometime between the 1950s and early 2000s.[1] Superintendent John Nelson stated: "We are now appealing to anyone with information about a man missing since early 2000s, possibly with Latvian or Middle European heritage, to contact police."[1] Authorities are requesting DNA samples from the Latvian community to assist in identifying the deceased.[1]