Clearwater, Fl. — After more than three decades, a body discovered floating near the Clearwater Pass bridge in 1993 has been identified as Edman Eric Gleed, an 84-year-old man reported missing by his son in Fairfax County, Virginia. The breakthrough, announced by the Clearwater Police Department, came through a collaborative effort with the Pinellas County Medical Examiner’sOffice and Moxxy Forensic Investigations, utilizing advanced DNA analysis and investigative genetic genealogy.
On November 29, 1993, the body, known for years as “Pinellas County John Doe 1993,” was found near the east side of the bridge leading to Sand Key. A neatly folded pile of clothing was discovered on the shoreline near a lifeguard stand on Clearwater Beach, but no identification was found. The autopsy was inconclusive regarding the cause and manner of death, though foul play was not suspected. The medical examiner described the man as a white male, aged between 60 and 80, approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighing 118 pounds, with short gray hair and blue eyes.
For 31 years, the case remained unsolved until recent efforts to identify the remains led to a partnership between Clearwater Police, the medical examiner’s office, and Moxxy Forensic Investigations. Additional DNA samples from the remains were submitted for testing, combined with genealogical research to trace potential relatives.
Kaycee Connelly, Moxxy’s team lead for the case, noted an unexpected clue early in the investigation: “Almost immediately, we observed that all of the DNA matches were either living in or recent immigrants from England, which was quite unexpected for a person found in Pinellas County, Florida.” Nine volunteer genealogists spent months analyzing DNA connections, uncovering ancestors from England dating back to the mid-1700s. Their work eventually pointed to a couple from Bristol, England, in the 18th century, helping narrow down the identity.
Through this meticulous process, the team identified Edman Eric Gleed as a candidate. Clearwater Police contacted Gleed’s son, now 94 and living in North Carolina, and obtained a buccal swab for DNA comparison. The test confirmed a parent-child relationship, officially identifying Gleed as the man found in 1993.
On Monday morning, Clearwater Police detectives spoke with Gleed’s son, providing long-awaited answers. “We are happy that we are able to provide the family some answers and some closure as to what happened with their loved one,” said Deputy Chief Michael Walek. “And we’re grateful to the medical examiner’s office and Moxxy Forensic Investigations for helping us get those answers.”
Ed Adams, Moxxy’s team assistant for the case, expressed the team’s sentiment: “This case has been close to the hearts of everyone on the team. We are all honored to have played a part in returning Edman Gleed to his family.”
The identification marks a significant milestone in a decades-long mystery, showcasing the power of modern forensic techniques and collaborative efforts in bringing closure to families.
