In January of 2009, newly elected Sheriff of Ellis County, Johnny Brown ordered a new look at all cold cases. Among them, an unidentfied body found in 1998. Investigators immediately went to the Medical Examiner to have a DNA sample of the John Doe entered into the FBI's Missing Person Database, CODIS, with the hope that someday there would be a match.

When Jacob went missing 12 years ago, Texas Rangers requested and received a DNA sample from Jacob's mother. They had the knowledge and foresight to know that someday that sample might be needed to help identify Jacob. The DNA of Jacob's mother was put into the same FBI Missing Person's Database as a "reference sample" and in 2010 the match was made! This is another example of how modern science solves cold cases and brings answers to those who desperately search for them.