Human remains found in 2009 identified through DNA technology 

The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public for information related to the disappearance of Donald Myrel Nelson, following the identification of human remains discovered more than 16 years ago in the City of Lacey. 

On April 30, 2009, skeletal remains were found in a field near Meadows Elementary School. For years, investigators were unable to determine the person’s identity.  

Multiple agencies assisted in the effort, including the Thurston County Coroner’s Office, King County Medical Examiner’s Office, University of North Texas Center for Human Identification, Othram (a genetic genealogy company) and the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab. 

On Aug. 27, 2025, advanced DNA testing confirmed the remains belonged to Nelson, whom the Lacey Police Department reported missing in February 1989, just weeks before his 29th birthday. 

Nelson’s family has been notified, but investigators say questions remain about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. The Thurston County Sheriff's Office Cold Case Unit is now turning to the community for help. 

Anyone with information about Nelson’s disappearance is encouraged to contact the Cold Case Unit through its email address using reference case number 09-002677.