Listen to What Remains ad-free on
With no identification, human skeletal remains often end up at medical examiners’ offices where they sit in storage closets for years, gathering dust as evidence slowly disappears. These are some of the most difficult cold cases to crack.
What Remains explores the science that helps solve the oldest cold cases.
Episodes
June 8, 2022
Introducing What Remains | TRAILER
Using forensic science to connect unidentified human remains to the missing and murdered
The new approach to solving the most difficult cold cases
June 22, 2022
E2 What is Forensic Anthropology?
How forensic anthropology helped convict Grant Hayes of Laura Ackerman's murder
One man's obsession changes the way cold cases are solved
July 13, 2022
E5 Cold Case Solved | The Boy Under the Billboard
Forensic genealogy helps solve a cold case just in the nick of time
Online ancestry paves the way for forensic genealogy
Skeletal remains found 16 years ago identified by Cold Case Coalition
July 27, 2022
E8 The Art of Facial Reconstruction
From nothing but bones, forensic artists give a face to the unidentified
Aug. 3, 2022
E9 Missing in NC | What Happened to Cole Thomas?
In 2016, Cole Thomas became a North Carolina missing person. His father is still searching for answers.
We'll email you with updates and info on What Remains and related podcasts from WRAL Studios.
Recent Blog Posts
Seeking Justice for Indigenous Women and Girls
At some point in life we have to look to younger generations to take the wheel when it comes to systemic problems in our communities. They are the ones w…
Crowdfunding Cold Case DNA Analysis
There are plenty of worthy causes here in the United States and abroad that you can donate your money to. So, why would anyone donate money for DNA testi…
The Disappearance of Brittanee Drexel
A young woman disappears during a spring break trip to Myrtle Beach in 2009. Despite national attention, the case goes cold. Thirteen years later, a tip …