Body discovered in Cooper River linked to a 15-year-old investigation through DNA evidence.

A North Texas DNA laboratory has confirmed the identity of a missing Camden woman whose remains were discovered in a submerged vehicle in the Cooper River last year. According to the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, 52-year-old Bernadine Gunner was reported missing by her family on July 11, 2010. Her last known sighting occurred when she was driving her 2006 blue Hyundai Elantra and expressing suicidal thoughts, as noted by law enforcement officials.

On May 16, 2024, a collaborative effort by the prosecutor’s office and various agencies led to the recovery of Gunner’s remains from her vehicle after it was towed from the river. The forensic DNA analysis was facilitated by Bode Technology, a private forensic lab located in Virginia. The DNA extracted from the remains was subsequently sent to the University of North Texas’s Center of Human Identification for comparison, resulting in a confirmation of Gunner’s identity on April 16, 2024.

Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay expressed relief that law enforcement and community volunteers were able to provide some measure of closure for Gunner’s family after fifteen years of uncertainty. The realities surrounding missing persons cases offer a profound emotional toll on relatives, leaving them in a perpetual state of anxiety over the fate of their loved ones.

MacAulay acknowledged the significance of the forensic confirmation, indicating that while there was a strong belief that the remains belonged to Gunner, the definitive identification through DNA testing delivered a much-needed answer for her family.

In a recent memorial held by Gunner’s family, they reflected on the long-standing impact of her disappearance. Julia Young, Gunner’s daughter, expressed the continued uncertainty that shrouds the incident. She stated that the family may never fully understand the circumstances surrounding her mother’s death. Young conveyed gratitude for the community’s support during their long ordeal, emphasizing the emotional complexity of the situation as they grapple with the lack of clear answers.

The confirmation of Gunner’s identity marks a pivotal moment in the long and painful journey of her family, highlighting the importance of advancements in forensic science and the enduring impact of unresolved cases on those left behind.