DNA helps crack decades-old Edmonton missing persons case

24-year-old Erum Kamal was last seen near Walterdale Hill in 2001. Her remains were identified in December 2024 by Edmonton Police and RCMP using DNA and genetic genealogy. (CTV News Edmonton)

Using DNA and genetic genealogy, local police and RCMP have closed a 23-year-old missing persons case in Edmonton.

In August 2023, the remains of a woman were found at a survey site near 153 Avenue and 17 Street. They were identified on Monday as those of 24-year-old Erum Kamal, who was last seen near Walterdale Hill on Aug. 28, 2001.

The case was solved by Project Match, a collaboration between the Edmonton Police Service, RCMP and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Investigators first submitted DNA from the remains to the National DNA Bank of Canada.

When that was unsuccessful, police said funding from the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women was used for genetic genealogy testing, which was able to provide ethnic information about the woman.

Police said that led investigators to connect the remains with the Kamal's missing persons file.

DNA samples from Kamal's family members in Ontario confirmed the match.

"Our hearts go out to Erum's family, who have experienced decades of ambiguous loss, grief and trauma, and we hope this conclusion can bring them some measure of healing," said EPS Acting Staff Sgt. Kevin Harrison.

According to police, Kamal was swept away by the North Saskatchewan River and her death was not believed to be criminal.

An anthropologist said her remains likely ended up at that site due to natural flooding and erosion.

Kamal is the third person whose remains have been identified by Project Match.

EPS currently has 14 unsolved unidentified human remains files dating back to 1979.