Police Identify Quincy Skeletal Remains as Glenn Powers

Massachusetts investigators used forensic genealogy to identify a victim found in a shallow grave in 1991.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Violence

Bold flat-color editorial illustration featuring geometric stone shapes, evoking the gravity of a long-unsolved cold case investigation. — Massachusetts State Police have identified skeletal remains found in Quincy in 1991 as Glenn Powers, a breakthrough in the decades-old cold case. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Massachusetts State Police have officially identified skeletal remains discovered in a Quincy wooded area in 1991 as Glenn Powers. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner previously determined that Powers died from blunt force trauma, ruling the case a homicide.

Why it matters

The identification of Powers, a 1970 Randolph High School graduate, marks a significant breakthrough in a cold case that has remained unsolved for over three decades. Investigators are now leveraging this new information to appeal to the public for leads regarding the identity of his killer.

The investigation into the 1991 homicide remains active as authorities seek information from the public. Residents can contact the Norfolk District Attorney at 781-830-4990, Quincy Police at 617-745-5768, or Massachusetts State Police at 1-855-627-6583.

The players

Glenn Powers

He was a 1970 graduate of Randolph High School whose identity was discovered via forensic genealogy.

Massachusetts State Police

This agency led the effort to identify the remains found in the city of Quincy.

Office of the Chief Medical Examiner

The medical examiner determined the cause of death for the victim was blunt force trauma.

The details

The remains were originally located in a shallow grave near 270 Quarry Street, close to the Sgt. Robert Allen Curry/Michael G. Therrien fields. Investigators utilized modern DNA sequencing alongside research into public databases to confirm the identity of the victim.

Glenn Powers graduated from Randolph High School in 1970.
Skeletal remains were found in a shallow grave on March 21, 1991.
Authorities announced the identification of the remains on October 30, 2026.

Legal Context

This identification follows a pattern set by the rise of forensic genetic genealogy in cold case resolutions, where decades-old mysteries are solved through modern DNA sequencing. Such technology continues to reshape how law enforcement agencies approach long-dormant investigations.

The transition of this case into an active investigation may prompt additional police activity or requests for witness testimony in the vicinity of Quarry Street. Residents are encouraged to report any relevant information regarding the homicide to local authorities.

The takeaway

This breakthrough demonstrates the enduring power of modern genetic testing to provide answers for families after decades of uncertainty. Public involvement remains essential as detectives attempt to connect this long-ago crime to a responsible suspect.