Sheriff William F. Honsal | Humboldt Sheriff’s Office website
Sheriff William F. Honsal | Humboldt Sheriff’s Office website
In December 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 crew member drowned and his body was recovered, but two other crew members, including Milton Leon Pelligrini Jr., went missing and were never found.
On February 9, 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 remain open until they are 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, but no match was made.
In December 2022, HCSO partnered with Othram, a private company specializing in advanced forensic DNA testing, to identify a backlog of unidentified recovered human remains. A DNA extract from the mandible was sent to Othram. Scientists at Othram used forensic genome sequencing to build a comprehensive DNA profile for the unknown remains. Once built, Othram’s in-house genealogy team used forensic genetic genealogy to produce investigative leads.
In mid-April 2024, HCSO received an Othram report indicating that the DNA profile might belong to Milton Pelligrini. The report included genetic relatives, including a possible brother named Paul from the Eureka area. Investigators contacted Paul who confirmed his brother Milton had been lost at sea. A DNA sample obtained from Paul matched the DNA from the mandible.
The HCSO expressed gratitude towards Othram and the California Department of Justice DNA lab for their assistance in solving this case. HCSO continues to work with Othram on several other unidentified remains investigations utilizing advanced DNA technology.
"If you have any information regarding a missing person or cold homicide please contact Investigator Mike Fridley at 707-441-3024."
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