Advanced DNA technology finally solves a 20-year cold case mystery, identifying skeletal remains found on a Washington beach as a former Oregon mayor who vanished during a solo crabbing trip in 2006.
Story Highlights
- Former Fossil, Oregon Mayor Clarence Edwin “Ed” Asher identified after nearly 20 years through cutting-edge genetic genealogy
- Washington state officials provided critical funding enabling breakthrough identification using Othram laboratory’s advanced DNA sequencing
- Asher disappeared while crabbing alone in dangerous waters without a life jacket, unable to swim according to his wife
- Case demonstrates successful collaboration between multiple agencies and innovative forensic technology solving interstate cold cases
Breakthrough Technology Solves Decades-Old Mystery
Skeletal remains discovered on Taholah beach in Washington’s Grays Harbor County in November 2006 have been identified as Clarence Edwin “Ed” Asher, the 72-year-old former mayor of Fossil, Oregon. The breakthrough came through advanced forensic genetic genealogy conducted by Othram laboratory in Texas, marking their 44th successful identification in Washington state. Critical funding from Governor Ferguson, Attorney General Nick Brown, and the Washington State Legislature made this resolution possible after traditional identification methods failed for nearly two decades.
Asher vanished on September 5, 2006, while crabbing alone in Tillamook Bay, Oregon. His boat was recovered with live crabs and buoys still aboard, but no life jacket was found. According to his wife, Asher habitually did not wear safety equipment and could not swim. The U.S. Coast Guard conducted an 11-hour search before suspending operations, presuming he had fallen overboard and drowned in the hazardous waters.
Interstate Ocean Currents Carry Remains 150 Miles North
Two months after Asher’s disappearance, skeletal remains washed ashore on the Quinault Indian Reservation beach. Initial forensic analysis estimated the remains belonged to a man aged 20-60, standing 5’9″ and weighing 170-180 pounds. Despite efforts by the Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Office and Coroner’s Office using visual identification, fingerprints, and dental records, the remains could not be identified and became known as Grays Harbor County John Doe.
Pacific Ocean currents naturally carry debris and remains northward from Oregon’s Tillamook Bay to Washington’s coastal areas. The approximately 150-mile drift to Taholah aligns with documented patterns of how strong tides and currents transport materials along this stretch of coastline. This phenomenon has occurred in similar cases, including the recent identification of Ocean Shores John Doe, whose jawbone was found in 1995 and identified in 2025 as Bruce Joel Andrews.
State Investment in Cold Case Technology Pays Dividends
Washington state’s commitment to funding advanced forensic technology demonstrates responsible government spending that delivers tangible results for families and communities. The investment in Othram’s Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing technology represents exactly the kind of targeted government spending that conservatives can support – using taxpayer dollars efficiently to solve real problems and provide closure to grieving families.
The identification process followed proper protocols under Washington state law RCW 68.50.330, which requires comprehensive efforts including dental examinations, fingerprinting, and submission to state patrol systems, NamUs, and FBI databases. When traditional methods failed, the 2025 submission to Othram represented appropriate escalation using available resources. This systematic approach reflects good governance and proper use of law enforcement procedures that protect citizens and solve cases methodically.
Sources:
Washington State RCW 68.50.330
Ocean Shores John Doe Case – DNASolves
Grays Harbor Remains Identified – UNILAD
Washington Beach Remains Identified – WGME
