Victims Found Dead in a Vancouver Park are Identified Nearly 70 Years Later

In 1953, the skeletal remains of two boys were found in Vancouver’s Stanley Park. Based on the condition of the remains, investigators believed the boys were bludgeoned to death with a hatchet about five years prior to the discovery. The two John Does were referred to as the ‘Babes in the Woods’ and their identities remained a mystery until Tuesday. The boys have now been identified as 7-year-old Derek D’Alton and his half-brother 6-year-old David D’Alton, People Magazine reports.

Using the genetic genealogy research website GEDmatch, investigators uploaded a DNA sample from each of the boys’ skulls. They were able to match the samples to a maternal grandparent and create a family tree.

In a news release, Deputy Inspector Dale Weidman stated that homicide investigators “are relieved to now give these children a name and bring some closure to the case.”

 CBC News reports that Vancouver police believe that the boys were killed by a family member—perhaps their mother—who died 25 years ago.