With the assistance of Othram Inc., Mohave County Sheriff’s Office detectives have positively identified human remains located in a wash near Pioneer Dr. and Laguna Rd. in Golden Valley in October 2021.
Using advanced DNA testing and Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing, Othram Inc. was able to identify the remains as belonging to Christopher Canning, 60 of Golden Valley.
Mr. Canning was reported missing by a family member on May 15, 2021.
The remains were located by a citizen on October 10, 2021 in a remote desert area and were transferred to the custody of the Mohave County Medical Examiner’s Office, who was unable to positively identify the victim. On March 20, 2023, detectives with our Special Investigations Unit (SIU) contacted Othram Inc. and requested their assistance. A sample from the remains was submitted to them to conduct a genetic genealogy investigation, resulting in the positive identification of Canning on July 31, 2023.
Due to the state of the remains when they were located, an official cause of death was not able to be determined, however foul play is not suspected.