Human remains found in Ky. lake 25 years ago identified as FBI fugitive

MAYFIELD, Ky. (WTVQ) — Human remains found in a Western Kentucky lake nearly 25 years ago have been finally identified as an FBI fugitive.

The remains were identified as Roger Parham.

Parham’s remains were found on May 6, 1999, by two fishermen in Lake Barkley in Lyon County. He was found wrapped in heavy tire chains and anchored with a hydraulic jack, according to Kentucky State Police.

At the time, investigators weren’t able to identify him using traditional investigative techniques. In 2016, Parham’s body was exhumed in hopes that further examinations would identify him.

New methods were still unsuccessful, so a profile for the remains was entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Person System (NAMUS) as case UP#75.

Early this year, KSP began using Othram Inc., a private forensic lab that specializes in forensic genealogy. Through this testing, a relative of Parham was found, which helped positively identify him.

After the positive ID, investigators began researching Parham, which led to multiple revelations.

In 1999, Parham was living in Arkansas. At that time, he was waiting for trial on various criminal charges. In March of 1999, he disappeared and was thought to have left the area to flee prosecution.

The FBI obtained additional charges for Parham at that time. Until now, his whereabouts were a mystery.

Parham’s cause of death is still undetermined, however, due to the “suspicious circumstances” in which his remains were found, the case is being investigated as a homicide by KSP.