Century-Old Mystery Solved with DNA Breakthrough
In a landmark revelation, a World War I veteran, C.L. Daniel from Georgia, has been identified as the first victim from the mass graves of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Using DNA from his brothers’ descendants, Intermountain Forensics confirmed the identity, announced Mayor G.T. Bynum. Daniel, in his 20s, was among the 300 Black individuals massacred by a white mob that destroyed Tulsa’s Black Wall Street.
Historical discovery brings closure
Mayor Bynum emphasized the significance: “This is one family who gets to give a member of their family a proper burial after over a century of not knowing.” Brenda Nails-Alford, a descendant of massacre survivors, expressed profound emotion, calling it an “awesome day.”
Uncovering the past
The identification came from a 1936 letter seeking veteran benefits. Forensic scientist Alison Wilde stated the letter from the National Archives convinced them of Daniel’s death during the massacre. Forensic anthropologist Phoebe Stubblefield noted Daniel’s remains were fragmented, preventing a definitive cause of death.
The Tulsa Race Massacre saw a white mob destroy over 1,200 Black homes and businesses, forcing thousands into internment camps. More than 120 graves were found in searches since 2020, with Daniel’s remains the first directly linked to the massacre. State archaeologist Kary Stackelbeck revealed Daniel’s body was found in a small wooden box, emphasizing the tragic circumstances of his burial.
Ongoing efforts and legal struggles
The search for more victims resumes on July 22. Meanwhile, a lawsuit by the massacre’s last two known survivors was recently dismissed by the Oklahoma Supreme Court. Their attorneys are seeking reconsideration and urging the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate under the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act. Mayor Bynum vowed to continue the search until all victims are found.