In a remarkable breakthrough, a jawbone discovered in Arizona two decades ago by a young boy with a rock collection has finally been identified as belonging to a U.S. Marine who died in a training accident over 70 years ago. The Yavapai County Sheriff's Office recently turned over the bone to the Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center in New Jersey, reigniting the investigation.

The jawbone initially came into the possession of the sheriff's office in 2002 after the parents of a young boy found it among his collection of rocks. Despite undergoing traditional DNA testing, no results could be obtained, leaving the case unresolved for years. However, the bone's journey took an unexpected turn when it ended up in the hands of the Ramapo College genealogy center.

In a press release issued by Ramapo College this week, it was confirmed that the jawbone belongs to Captain Everett Leland Yager, who tragically lost his life in a training accident in California more than 70 years ago. At the time of the incident, Yager's remains were collected and returned to his family, who gave him a proper burial in his hometown of Missouri.

Experts are currently puzzled as to how the jawbone made its way from its rightful resting place in Missouri to Arizona. However, it is believed that a bird may have accidentally picked it up and carried it to its final location.

Cairenn Binder, the assistant director of the Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center, expressed her gratitude for the school's summer bootcamp students and their invaluable contribution to cracking this long-standing mystery. She highlighted the significance of this case as a lesson in expecting the unexpected and an affirmation of the power of genetic education at Ramapo College.

The breakthrough in identifying the jawbone came through genome sequencing and bioinformatics conducted by a forensics lab in Salt Lake City, Utah. After the human identification center in Texas provided a sample, the bootcamp students were able to find a potential candidate within just two days. Their findings were subsequently handed over to the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office for further investigation.

Last month, Yager's daughter provided a DNA sample which matched the genetic profile derived from the jawbone, confirming the long-lost Marine's identity. The remains will now be returned to Yager's family, providing closure after decades of uncertainty.

The identification of Captain Everett Leland Yager's jawbone is a testament to the relentless pursuit of truth and justice. This incredible breakthrough serves as a reminder that the power of science and perseverance can bring closure even to the most baffling mysteries, honoring the memory and sacrifice of those who came before us.