Bill Text: MS SR25 | 2025 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Commend and thank Mississippi Genealogist/Philanthropist Carla Davis for extensive work in solving "cold murder cases."
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Introduced) 2025-02-04 - Title Suff Do Be Adopted [SR25 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2025-SR25-Introduced.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2025 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Johnson
Senate Resolution 25
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND THANKING MISSISSIPPI GENETIC GENEALOGIST AND PHILANTHROPIST CARLA DAVIS FOR HER EXTENSIVE WORK WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT IN IDENTIFYING VICTIMS IN UNSOLVED MURDER CASES.
WHEREAS, a former Mississippi resident is on a mission to give every set of unidentified remains in her home state their names back; and
WHEREAS, as the Chief Genetic Genealogist at Othram, Inc., Carla Davis leads a team of 12 dedicated forensic genetic genealogists. Her work focuses on leveraging cutting-edge, purpose-built technology to solve complex cases involving perpetrators of violent crimes and unidentified remains. With an impressive track record, Carla is deeply committed to using her expertise to provide answers to victims and their families. Raised in Purvis, Mississippi, which has a population of a little more than 2,000 people, her journey into the field of genetic genealogy began with her own quest to uncover her biological identity. This experience ignited a passion in Carla for helping others on similar paths where she approached cases with a unique blend of compassion, comprehensive knowledge, and relentless determination. Beyond her professional role, Carla is an active philanthropist. She has been instrumental in recognizing and addressing the challenges faced by underfunded law enforcement agencies, particularly in her home State of Mississippi. Carla has been a pioneer in advocating for and funding the adoption of advanced genetic genealogy techniques. Her efforts have showcased the significant impact of this technology in clearing entire cold case backlogs; and
WHEREAS, Genetic Genealogist Carla Davis currently lives in Dubai, but she maintains a home back in Mississippi, where she grew up and said she always feels close to Mississippi. "I think no matter where I live, Mississippi is always home for me and no matter how long I'm away, I feel I return to my roots when I go home. If I'm going to do any philanthropy work, I would like it to be in my home state, and I want to continue those efforts until they are exhausted; and
WHEREAS, Davis noted that there are about 60 cases of unidentified remains in Mississippi listed in The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. She plans to contribute to the funding of every single one that involves DNA evidence until all the cases have been solved. Only then, she said, will she be able to move on to fund cases in other states; and
WHEREAS, Carla has brought resolution to 18 Mississippi families, funding the forensic genetic testing that solved cold cases across the state. Her quest began in 1998 when her daughter's friend was kidnapped and found murdered in Slidell, Louisiana. "Solving these cases means a resolution to the families and the answers they waited so long to hear. I understand firsthand what these families are going through," said Davis. "I cannot imagine 30 years, 40 years, 45 years of not knowing what happened to your loved one"; and
WHEREAS, Davis has been successful in her mission. She has fully funded six cases and partially funded another two with a forensic genomics laboratory. Of the eight cases, three have been solved and one is currently pending DNA confirmation. Her funding led to the June identification of Kimberly Funk, who had just moved to the state from Pennsylvania before vanishing. Funk's skeletal remains were discovered by hunters in Vancleave in 1991, and for decades was known as simply "Vancleave Jane Doe." Davis also gave Mississippi resident Anderson Bolls, whose skeletal remains were discovered in 2020, his name back, late last month. Furthermore, Davis funded the identification of a possible serial killer victim. Clara Birdlong, who for 44 years was known only as "Escatawpa Jane Doe," was identified last month through DNA testing and genetic genealogy. A prime suspect has been identified in the Mississippi woman's murder; and
WHEREAS, before helping fund these cases, Carla solved more than 200 unknown parentage cases, which are often adult adoptees searching for biological parents, through genetic genealogy. Davis, who has 15 years of experience, starting out as a genealogical hobbyist, under her belt, even solved her own paternal biological father's identity back in 2016. She does volunteer search angel work for DNA detectives and donated financially to some of CeCe Moore's cases when she first started getting into genetic genealogy. Moore is now head of genetic genealogy at Parabon NanoLabs; and
WHEREAS, Carla is now Othram's Chief Genetic Genealogist with a team of 11 certified genealogists, former prosecutors, and attorneys working with law enforcement agencies across the country. The genealogist is now on the case of a little boy found dead in Sharkey County. According to the Lamar County native, this pilot project in Mississippi has attracted other philanthropists in Nevada, North Carolina, Michigan, Arizona, and California who are duplicating the process; and
WHEREAS, more unidentified murder victims now have a face and name thanks to the efforts of this Mississippi native who has brought honor to her community and to the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and recognize Mississippi Genetic Genealogist and Philanthropist Carla Davis for her extensive work with law enforcement in identifying victims in unsolved murder cases, and extend the thanks of a grateful State to Carla for this critical work.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Carla Davis and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
