NH AG Solves Nearly 40-Year-Old Cold Case with DNA Identification

AG: New Hampshire Press Releases

Published March 5th, 2026

Detected March 18th, 2026

Summary

The New Hampshire Attorney General's Office announced the identification of human remains found in Bristol, NH, in 1986. Using advanced forensic genetic genealogy, the remains were identified as Warren Kuchinsky, who was last known to be alive in the mid-1970s. There is no evidence of foul play.

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What changed

The New Hampshire Attorney General's Office, in collaboration with the State Police and the DNA Doe Project, has identified human remains discovered in Bristol, NH, in 1986. Through the application of forensic genetic genealogy techniques in 2025, the remains were identified as Warren Kuchinsky, who was born in 1952 and last known to be alive in the mid-1970s. The identification was confirmed via DNA testing of a family member, and no foul play is suspected.

This announcement serves as a notice of a resolved cold case and highlights the successful use of advanced investigative techniques. While there are no direct compliance actions required for regulated entities, this case demonstrates the evolving capabilities in forensic identification and the potential for long-unidentified individuals to be identified, which may have implications for historical investigations or family inquiries.

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Nearly 40-Year-Old Bristol, New Hampshire Mystery Solved

Press Release For Immediate Release Date: March 05, 2026

Contact Michael S. Garrity, Director of Communications
(603) 931-9375 | michael.s.garrity@doj.nh.gov

Nearly 40-Year-Old Bristol, New Hampshire Mystery Solved

Concord, NH – Attorney General John M. Formella and New Hampshire State Police Colonel Mark B. Hall announce that the New Hampshire Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, in collaboration with the New Hampshire State Police, along with their investigative partners at the DNA Doe Project and the University of New Hampshire Forensic Anthropology Identification and Recovery Lab, have identified human remains discovered nearly four decades ago in Bristol, New Hampshire.

In 1986, a human skull was located in a wooded area of Bristol. Despite investigative efforts at the time, the individual’s identity remained unknown.

In 2025, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, assisted by the New Hampshire State Police and the University of New Hampshire Forensic Anthropology Identification and Recovery Lab, partnered with the DNA Doe Project to apply advanced forensic genetic genealogy techniques to the case. Through that work, the remains were identified as Warren Kuchinsky, who was born in 1952 and was last known to be alive in the mid-1970s. His identity was confirmed through DNA testing of a surviving family member.

There is no evidence of foul play associated with Mr. Kuchinsky’s death.

“This identification reflects the power of partnership and scientific advancement,” said Attorney General Formella. “The dedication of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the investigative support of the New Hampshire State Police, and the extraordinary work of the DNA Doe Project have restored a name to an individual who had been unidentified for nearly 40 years. We are grateful for their professionalism and commitment.”

The DNA Doe Project is a nonprofit organization that uses investigative genetic genealogy to help identify unidentified human remains. Working in partnership with law enforcement, medical examiners, and volunteer genealogists, the organization analyzes DNA profiles and builds family trees using publicly available genetic databases and historical records. Since its founding, the DNA Doe Project has assisted in resolving numerous cold cases across the country by restoring names to individuals who had previously gone unidentified.

“We are honored to have partnered with the State of New Hampshire on this case,” said DNA Doe Project Team Leader Lisa Ivany. “Through the power of investigative genetic genealogy and the dedication of our volunteer genealogists, we were able to develop a critical lead in less than 24 hours. We truly hope that this identification brings long-awaited answers to Mr. Kuchinsky’s family.”

The New Hampshire Department of Justice and the New Hampshire State Police remain committed to pursuing appropriate scientific and investigative tools to resolve unidentified remains cases and provide answers to families whenever possible.

Warren Kuchinsky