Web Desk
Canton, Mississippi — A decades-old mystery may finally be solved as forensic scientists work to identify the real victim in a chilling 1983 case.
In May 1983, authorities found a burned car in Canton, Mississippi, with a charred body inside. At first, investigators believed the remains belonged to Edward L. Cates, a disgraced city commissioner facing severe financial problems.
But the truth was far more sinister. Cates wasn’t dead — he was alive, hiding in Lawrenceville, Georgia, under the alias Christopher E. Curts, claiming to be a retired major general.
The man in the burned car remained unidentified for 40 years.
Authorities initially held funeral services for the unknown man, who was wrongly thought to be Cates — a former advisor to Mississippi Governor Ross Barnett.
A year after Cates’ supposed death, investigators uncovered his shocking deception. Cates had staged his own death to escape mounting debts, including over $223,000 embezzled from a client.
He was charged with capital murder but later pleaded guilty to manslaughter as part of a plea deal. Despite the conviction, Cates never revealed the identity of the man who died in his place, leaving investigators with more questions than answers.
A Breakthrough in 2025
Now, in 2025, the case has taken a dramatic turn. Forensic scientists at Othram — a cutting-edge investigative lab specializing in DNA sequencing — have stepped in to identify the long-forgotten victim.
Using advanced DNA testing and genetic genealogy, Othram aims to generate new leads and finally uncover the man’s identity.
“This is a 40-year-old mystery that we are able to solve now because of advancements in technology,” said Kristen Mittelman, Chief Development Officer at Othram. “That means the family of this unknown victim will know what happened to him and can finally put their questions to rest.”
The Rankin County Coroner’s Office and Madison County Sheriff’s Office have partnered with Othram to push the investigation forward.
To fund the expensive DNA analysis, a crowdfunding campaign has also been launched, encouraging public support to solve the case.
Who Was the Man in the Car?
At the time of his death, the unknown man was believed to be between 35 and 55 years old. The severe burns left few clues about his identity.
With modern DNA technology, investigators are hopeful they’ll finally give a name to the man who lost his life in Cates’ twisted plot.
How to Help
Authorities are urging the public to contribute to the crowdfunding campaign or share any information that could help identify the victim.
Every donation brings them one step closer to solving a mystery that has haunted Mississippi for four decades.
