Authorities have confirmed that skeletal remains discovered last year in Georgia belong to Timothy Williams, a 57-year-old man who had been missing since July 2020. The Lawrenceville Police Department made this announcement in a press release on Thursday, March 26, shedding light on a case that has deeply affected the local community.
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Williams was reported missing after he was last seen at his home in Duluth on July 18, 2020. Prior to this, a family member had spoken to him two days earlier. It was during this last conversation that Williams asked his mother to keep his mobile phone safe, promising that he would call her back soon. Unfortunately, he never made that call, raising concerns among his loved ones, who subsequently reported him missing.
The search for Williams lasted for several years without any leads. However, a breakthrough came on February 10, 2025, when construction workers involved in expansion work at Northside Hospital Gwinnett discovered a skull near an exit ramp. This ominous find prompted them to contact local authorities, leading to an investigation by the Lawrenceville Police Department and the Gwinnett County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Initial examinations revealed that the skull belonged to a White male who had a distinctive healing fracture located behind his left ear. This detail became crucial in the subsequent phases of the investigation. As investigators combed through missing persons reports, they enlisted the expertise of a forensic artist from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The artist produced an illustrative sketch that represented what the individual might have looked like, assisting in the identification process.
In March 2025, officials reached out to Othram, a DNA laboratory in Texas renowned for their work in forensic identification. They successfully extracted DNA from the skeletal remains, marking a significant step forward. Following this, a wider investigation was conducted which led to the identification of potential relatives of Williams. When DNA samples were compared, they confirmed a match.
The identification of Timothy Williams has brought a sense of closure to his family and friends. Authorities have expressed their deepest condolences, highlighting Williams’ status as a cherished son and brother. Known for his passion for skiing, Williams was also a dedicated business owner, proud of both his work and achievements.
Lawrenceville Police emphasised their commitment to assisting the families of missing persons, reinforcing the importance of bringing clarity to such distressing cases. The use of advanced forensic techniques has played a vital role in resolving numerous similar cases in the area.
The case of Timothy Williams marks the 30th instance in Georgia where Othram’s services have been employed to identify unidentified remains, demonstrating the lab’s growing impact on resolving cold cases across the state.
As the investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death continues, the community reflects on the loss of a life that, while filled with promise and passion, was tragically cut short. The authorities have urged anyone with additional information regarding the case to come forward, as they aim to provide full transparency and justice in this heartbreaking situation.