In a stunning revelation that could completely change the course of the investigation, authorities have confirmed that DNA belonging to an unidentified third individual was discovered on key pieces of gear belonging to the two missing hunters, Andrew Porter and Lan Stasko.
According to a statement from law-enforcement sources, the newly discovered DNA does not match either of the victims or any known person connected to the case. The finding was made during a forensic re-examination of the hunters’ personal equipment — including a knife, a jacket, and a rope recovered from the site where the pair vanished earlier this year.
“This changes everything,” a senior investigator admitted late Tuesday. “We are now looking at the real possibility that a third party was present — someone we still can’t identify.”
The revelation has reignited public interest in the case, which has puzzled both state and federal agencies since the two men disappeared during a weekend hunting trip in the Colorado backcountry. Their remains were later recovered under circumstances authorities described as “deeply suspicious.”
For months, speculation has swirled around whether the men were victims of a tragic accident, a violent altercation, or something far stranger. The new DNA evidence appears to rule out earlier theories that only the two hunters were involved.
“The sample doesn’t belong to either Porter or Stasko,” said a forensic expert familiar with the analysis. “It’s a full, high-quality profile — which means whoever this person is, they were close to the scene.”
Investigators are now working with federal databases to determine whether the DNA matches any known offenders or missing persons. So far, no match has been reported.
The families of both men have expressed shock but also renewed hope that the discovery could finally lead to answers. “We’ve always believed there was more to this,” said a relative of Porter. “Maybe now we’ll find out who — or what — was really out there with them.”
Authorities are expected to release an official update later this week, but sources say the “third DNA profile” has become the single most significant lead since the case began.
