Missing Since 1998: NFSS Wants to Finally Give Them a Name

Belize’s National Forensic Science Service is stepping up efforts to put names to roughly twenty sets of long-term missing and unidentified human remains, some of which have sat unclaimed for over two decades. The skeletal remains were recovered between 1998 and 2020, from locations spanning multiple districts across the country.

With incomplete information on file about possible relatives, the NFSS has launched an online form this month for anyone with a friend or family member who went missing between 1998 and 2020. The form allows relatives to submit information that could help match a missing person to one of the unidentified remains currently in NFSS custody.

If a submission shows a strong correlation to a specific case, the NFSS will follow up directly to arrange a voluntary DNA sample for comparison against the remains. A positive match would allow the agency to assist in reuniting the remains with next of kin so they can finally be laid to rest.

The NFSS is stressing that the process is entirely free. The agency says it will never ask family members for banking information or payment at any point in the process.

Those wanting more detail on how the submitted information will be used can reach the NFSS at +501-205-2164 or info@forensics.gov.bz. The form itself can be completed by scanning the QR code on the NFSS notice or visiting https://forms.gle/u1KhhBKgfpdo5WECA.