Remains identified in Gilmer County

PRESS RELEASE – GBI and FBI Special Agents have identified remains found in August 1986 as those of homicide victim David Clary.

Agents used genetic technology to identify the remains. The Clary family was notified of the identification in February 2025.

Hunters found the remains on Saturday, August 9, 1986, in a wooded area south of Elijay (Gilmer County Georgia). The Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office asked the GBI for assistance. The GBI’s medical examiner conducted an autopsy and ruled the manner of death as a homicide. The GBI and the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office investigated numerous leads to identify the remains, but to no avail.

In February 2024, the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Cleveland and GBI Cold Case Unit partnered with the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and Othram, Inc for the use of advanced DNA testing.

Othram, based in Woodlands, Texas, is a leader in Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing used to develop comprehensive genealogical profiles.

Based on the DNA, a genealogical search by the investigative team, including Othram, GBI intelligence analysts, FBI Atlanta and FBI Atlanta’s Gainesville Resident Agency produced leads that led to David Clary’s identification.

FBI Portland helped with interviews and testing during the process.

While Clary has been identified, the criminal investigation into his death is ongoing.

Clary grew up in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. At the time of his death, he made frequent trips to Metro Atlanta and North Georgia. His last known location was in Gwinnett County.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Cleveland at (706) 348-4866, the GBI Cold Case Unit at (404) 239-2106, or the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office at (706) 635-4646. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to the GBI by contacting the GBI Tip Line at 1-800-597-TIPS(8477) and https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online.

Investigative assistance is also being provided by the following agencies:

• York County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina
• Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina
• Alexander County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina
• Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department