Officials have identified the skeletal remains that were found approximately a year and a half ago near Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center outside Hattiesburg.
Sherri Marengo, public information officer with the Forrest County Sheriff’s Office, said through a coordinated effort with Othram laboratory in the Woodlands, Texas, the deceased has been identified as Kimberly Ann Hall.
Hall’s remains were found on October 20, 2022 in a wooded area near Camp Shelby and sent to the Mississippi State Crime Laboratory in Jackson for further examination and analysis. Lab staff was able to extract a DNA genetic profile, which was then sent to Othram for a potential genetic match.
Othram, which Margengo said is the world’s first private DNA laboratory built specifically to apply the power of modern parallel sequencing to forensic evidence, was able to make a positive identification.
An investigation into the matter is ongoing. No other information – including whether the case is being handled as a death investigation or possible murder – is available at this time, and will be released as it becomes available.
“Our agency is committed to thoroughly investigating any incident that occurs and ensuring that reports released are as accurate as possible,” Marengo said.
Anyone with information regarding Hall is asked to contact the Forrest County Sheriff’s Office at (601) 545-6148 or Metro Crime Stoppers at (601) 582-7867. Callers are allowed to remain anonymous.
