45‑Year Mystery Solved: Atlantic City Offshore Remains Identified
Urgent: Jersey City Police Searching for Missing Dementia Patient
October 1, 202645‑Year Mystery Solved: Atlantic City Offshore Remains Identified
NJ State Police Identify Human Remains From 1981 Cold Case
TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey State Police have officially identified human remains recovered off the coast of Atlantic City in 1981, closing a decades‑long mystery through advanced forensic DNA technology and investigative genetic genealogy.
A Breakthrough in a 45‑Year Cold Case
On May 22, 1981, unidentified human remains were found approximately one mile offshore from Raleigh Avenue in Atlantic City. Despite multiple rounds of DNA testing and entry into CODIS, investigators found no matches, leaving the case unresolved for more than four decades.
Detectives with the NJSP Missing Persons Unit later turned to investigative genetic genealogy (IGG). Genealogical research conducted by Ramapo College’s IGG Center identified a promising candidate: Glen Napoleon Burbage, born April 12, 1921.
Who Was Glen Napoleon Burbage?
Investigators determined that Burbage was a retired U.S. Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer from Charleston, South Carolina. He had traveled to Atlantic City by air in March 1981 and was never heard from again.
To confirm the identification, NJSP partnered with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to obtain a reference DNA sample from Burbage’s family. A one‑to‑one familial DNA comparison performed by the NJSP Central Laboratory conclusively identified the remains as Burbage.
Collaboration & Modern Forensic Technology
The NJSP credited Othram Inc., Ramapo College IGG Center, SLED, and the NJSP Central Laboratory for their roles in solving the case. The investigation was supported by federal Missing and Unidentified Human Remains (MUHR) grant funding, which provides resources for advanced DNA testing, forensic analysis, IGG, anthropological examination, and other modern investigative tools.
Investigation Still Active
Although Burbage has been identified, the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and death remain under investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact the NJSP Missing Persons Unit at missingpinformation@njsp.gov. Anonymous tips are welcome.
