Attorney General Tim Griffin announced on Feb. 18 that remains found nearly two decades ago in Mississippi County have been identified as Little John Sutton through advanced DNA testing funded by his office.
The announcement marks a significant development in a homicide case that had remained unsolved since Sutton’s disappearance in August 2006. The identification offers closure to Sutton’s family and may provide new leads for investigators seeking to solve his murder.
Griffin said, “Advanced DNA testing conducted by Othram has resulted in the positive identification of remains found nearly 20 years ago in Mississippi County. The remains are those of Little John Sutton, who had last been seen in Memphis on August 1, 2006. His remains were found in Mississippi County on September 27, 2006, and his death was determined to be a homicide, but a positive ID was not possible at that time. He was reported missing by his half sister on October 30, 2006.”
He explained that he directed advanced DNA testing by Othram laboratory beginning September of the previous year. In December, Othram indicated a potential match and identified a possible relative living in Memphis. Agents from Griffin’s office worked with the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office to collect a DNA sample from Sutton’s half sister for comparison; last week Othram confirmed the match.
“This is yet another example of my office’s Cold Case Unit working seamlessly with local law enforcement to find answers,” Griffin said. “I pray that this identification brings closure to Mr. Sutton’s family and opens new leads in solving his murder.” He also thanked Sheriff Aubry Cook for involving his office.
The Arkansas Attorney General’s office engages in initiatives addressing public integrity and community relations across the state according to the official website. It also offers consumer protection services, handles civil and criminal matters, supports public safety initiatives according to its website, provides resources for fraud reporting and legal opinions according to its website, serves all residents with legal services according to its website, and operates within the legal and public safety sector at the state level according to its website.
Griffin has served as Attorney General of Arkansas according to the official website. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office.
