Davidson County, TN – A six-year mystery has come to a close thanks to the efforts of Middle Tennessee State University’s Anthropology Department and the Davidson County Medical Examiner’s Office, working in coordination with Metro Detectives. The skeletal remains of a man discovered in 2018 in Davidson County have been identified as 65-year-old Steven Allen Yantz of Vermont.
The remains were found on January 25, 2018, in a makeshift shelter overlooking I-24 East near the Murfreesboro Road exit, tucked inside a sleeping bag. At the time, Yantz's identity was unknown, and police reported that no one else was present at the campsite. Yantz was known to have mental health challenges and often traveled, which may have contributed to the family losing contact with him years before his death.
Investigators worked with MTSU’s forensic anthropologists to perhaps provide more extensive answers. Anthropologists study humanity, from our biological origins and physiological traits to our evolution over time. They examine the geographic regions where people live, the years they spend there, and the circumstances that may lead to their often unexpected deaths.
Ultimately, detectives determined that there was no foul play involved. However, Yantz’s identity remained elusive until January 2023, when a bone sample was sent to Othram Lab to initiate Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) work. After thorough genealogy research, Yantz was finally identified.
The confirmation marks a breakthrough in the case and closes the books on a cold case for authorities. While the investigation has ruled out foul play, Yantz’s family now has answers, six years after his tragic discovery.
