[TomGuy]

How did they come up with his name?

What do they know about him, his family/friends, etc.

Were missing persons reports filed?

This article leave a lot to be desired in the way of reporting.

[Boogieman]

“How did they come up with his name?”

I would guess they took his DNA and submitted it to companies like “23 & Me” to see if any close relatives also had submitted their DNA. Find a second cousin and then you can trace him back from there.

[Red Badger]

I’m sure the sheriff is keeping the details a secret until an arrest is made..................

[brianl703]

According to another news story:

“Through improved DNA technology and genealogical research, investigators identified the body as Jefferey Douglas Kimzy. No one ever reported Kimzy as missing.”

[LadyDoc]

If you have your DNA checked by genealogy sites, the cops can search the database for people with similar DNA and then check if these people have a missing person in their family.

My adopted son had his genealogy checked and found a cousin that also had been adopted was living in Minnesota.