EC Seattle to Anchorage re opening subfile and DNA lead on Cooper suspect

(Rev. 08-28-2000)

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

Precedence: ROUTINE Date: 04/30/2007

To: Anchorage Attn: SSA [REDACTED]

From: Seattle Squad 5/VCMO Contact: SA [REDACTED]

Approved By: [REDACTED]

Drafted By: [REDACTED]

Case ID #: SE 164A-81-DNA- 4/4/ (Pending) SE 164A-81-1060-| (Pending)

Title: UNSUB, aka DAN COOPER; NORJAK CAA - HIJACKING

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Synopsis: To open subfile SE 164A-81-1060 for Lyle Collins Franklin and to set phase II lead for investigation and collection of DNA samples for submission to the Laboratory, DNA 1. This case remains the only unsolved hijacking in the United States, and is commonly referred to as the "D.B. Cooper" investigation. Items collected should be forwarded directly to the Laboratory, DNA 1, Attention [REDACTED]. The EC should be uploaded to SE 164A-81-DNA.

Enclosures: Case information sheet. This information is also available to be emailed.

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Details: Portland Division forwarded an EC to Seattle, SE 164A- 81 serial 9466, regarding Lyle Collins Franklin (Franklin). Seattle requests that Anchorage review the enclosed Portland EC and collect a DNA sample from Franklin's remains for submission to the Laboratory, DNA 1. See attached Anchorage EC for contact information on Franklin.

Over the years, more than one thousand possible subjects meriting subfiles were processed by Seattle with the assistance of virtually every Field Division. Most, opened in the initial stages of the investigation, were quickly eliminated; some required extensive investigation to eliminate; and some remained of interest and could not be included or excluded through normal means. To date, the hijacker of Northwest 305, who parachuted from the aircraft with the $200,000 ransom, has

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DB Cooper-33649

To: Anchorage From: Seattle Re: SE 164A-81-DNA, 04/30/2007

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not been identified. This case remains the only unresolved airplane hijacking in U.S. history. Although it is very likely that the hijacker did not survive the jump, it remains a possibility. If currently alive, the hijacker would likely be in his mid-70's. Hijacking was a capital offense at the time, therefore, no statute of limitations exists.

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For the information of VCMOS and receiving offices, a recent resubmission of an item connected to the UNSUB resulted in the recovery of male nuclear DNA. This DNA was suitable for entry into CODIS and for identification and elimination. Seattle seeks a DNA sample from the individual(s) listed below to process for comparison.

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Due to the extensive and counterproductive media coverage that, in some cases, may result from these contacts, all offices are requested to exercise discretion in dealing with these leads. Some of these suspects may have known they were considered a person of interest, others may not. Likewise the families may, or may not be aware. In cases where the suspect is alive, oral swabs should be solicited. In cases where the subject is deceased, all methods to include hair from shavers, brushes, salvia from postage stamps, etc. should be considered. In those cases where recovery of these items are not possible, obtain proper death and burial records. Contact Seattle case agent before asking family members for any exhumation authority. In the event the suspect, and/or family, cannot be located, receiving offices should set out appropriate leads to follow up with an information copy to Seattle.

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Obtain samples by one of the following methods, in the following order of priority:

1. Oral swabs from suspect (best) 2. Toothbrush, shaver, brush, comb belonging to suspect, or envelope with saliva on flap or stamp (second best). 3. Oral swabs from both surviving parents (third best). 4. Oral swab from two of suspect's natural children. (fourth best).

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All family or possible suspects contacted should be advised that this is merely another investigative step following advancement in technologies. No mention of the recovery of DNA evidence should be made. Care should be given so persons contacted are not led to believe that they or their family member are a suspect of great interest in this case. Unless specifically requested in the lead, no interviews are needed at this time, other than appropriate FD-302 to document DNA samples.

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DB Cooper-33650

To: Anchorage From: Seattle Re: SE 164A-81-DNA, 04/30/2007

Media discussions should be avoided. Refer any media inquiries without comment to the Seattle Media Coordinator, SA [REDACTED] at [REDACTED]. Any follow up leads to obtain these samples should be set by receiving offices with a copy to Seattle.

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DB Cooper-33651

To: Anchorage From: Seattle Re: SE 164A-81-DNA, 04/30/2007

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LEAD(s):

Set Lead 1: (Info)

LABORATORY

AT WASHINGTON, DC

For information of DNA1.

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Set Lead 2:

ANCHORAGE

AT ANCHORAGE, ALASKA

Obtain DNA samples from the body of Lyle Collins Franklin who died on March 31. Submit DNA directly to the Laboratory, DNA 1, Attn: [REDACTED]. The EC and related FD- 302 should be uploaded to SE 164A-81-DNA.

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♦♦ 113[REDACTED]01.EC

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DB Cooper-33652