Kentucky State Police has identified remains found nearly 25 years ago in Lake Barkley.
Using advanced DNA technology, state police said the remains are those of Roger Dale Parham.
Parham’s body was found on May 6, 1999, in Lake Barkley, in Lyon County, by two fishermen. The body was wrapped in heavy tire chains and anchored with a hydraulic jack, Kentucky State Police said.
At the time, investigators were unable to identify the body using traditional investigative techniques. In 2016, the body was exhumed in hopes that further examinations would help identify the decedent. Despite extensive efforts using DNA technology, dental examinations, forensic pathology and other advanced forensic testing, the victim remained unidentified.
A profile for the remains was entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Person System (NAMUS) as case: UP# 75.
In early 2023, Kentucky State Police began engaging with Texas-based Othram Inc., a private forensic lab that specializes in forensic genealogy. A partnership with NAMUS and Othram Inc. allowed for advanced genealogy DNA testing of the remains. Through this testing, a relative of the unidentified person was located which allowed investigators to identify the remains as Parham.
Investigators immediately began researching Parham, which led to multiple revelations. In 1999, Parham was residing in Fort Smith, Arkansas. At that time, Parham was awaiting trial on various criminal charges. In March of 1999, Parham disappeared and was thought to have left the area in an effort to flee prosecution. The FBI obtained additional charges for Parham and conducted an investigation into his whereabouts, but his disappearance remained a mystery until now.
Parham’s cause of death remains undetermined, police said. The case, though, is being investigated as a homicide.
Anyone with information regarding Parham’s death is urged to call Kentucky State Police at 270-856-3721. Tips can also be provided by accessing the Kentucky State Police website at www.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov/tip.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
