DNA Analysis Solves 66-Year-Old Oregon Family Mystery

The Hood River County Sheriff's Office has concluded its investigation, stating no evidence of a crime was found.

DNA analysis has confirmed that human remains recovered from a vehicle in the Columbia River are those of an Oregon family missing for over six decades. The recent identifications resolve the long-standing mystery of the whereabouts of Kenneth and Barbara Martin and their daughter Barbie, who vanished in December 1958.

Discovery and Recovery

The discovery process unfolded over several years:

• In 2024, diver Archer Mayo located a Ford station wagon in the Columbia River believed to belong to the missing family.
• Authorities retrieved part of the vehicle from the river in 2025. Due to the vehicle being encased in sediment, only the frame and some attached components were recovered.
• Analysis of these items confirmed the vehicle belonged to the Martin family.
• Later in 2025, Mayo located human remains at the site, which were turned over to the Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office.

The Identification Process

Forensic scientists from the lab Othram Inc. performed DNA analysis on the recovered remains.

• Scientists developed DNA extracts from the remains and generated a genetic profile.
• This profile was compared with DNA from relatives of the Martin family.
• The comparison positively identified Kenneth Martin. According to Othram's Colby Lasyone, skeletal remains for the other individuals were too degraded for similar analysis, but the overall DNA profile confirmed the identities of Barbara Martin and their daughter Barbie.

Colby Lasyone of Othram noted that more than a dozen experts worked on the case and that skeletal remains submerged for decades present significant forensic challenges.

Case Background: A National Mystery

Kenneth and Barbara Martin and their daughter Barbie vanished in December 1958 while on a trip to find Christmas greenery. The disappearance became a national news story.

• Months after the initial disappearance, the bodies of two of the family's other children were found.
• At the time, a $1,000 reward was offered for information, and some public speculation involved the possibility of foul play.

Official Conclusion

The Hood River County Sheriff's Office stated its investigation into the matter is now concluded, having found no evidence of a crime.

Diver Archer Mayo stated he was gratified the case was resolved.