DNA analysis links Joe Clyde Daniels' father to letter claiming the boy is still alive

Joe Clyde Daniels is missing and presumed dead, with his father in prison suspected of murdering the 5-year-old boy.

Investigators said DNA linked Joseph Ray Daniels to a letter the boy's grandparents received last week claiming that Joe Clyde Daniels was still alive. The letter names two individuals but those names have been withheld by authorities and media.

Joseph Daniels had been in Middle Tennessee Mental Health Institute in Nashville for evaluation until last week, when he was returned to Riverbend Maximum Security Institution, also in Nashville. 

Daniels' attorney, public defender Jake Lockert believes it's likely Daniels sent the letter while at the health institute. 

Forensic scientists with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation conducted the DNA analysis and said the letter did not change the focus of their investigation, which has included extensive search operations in Middle Tennessee since Joe Clyde was first reported missing in April.

Police arrested Joseph Ray Daniels in April, claiming the 28-year-old beat Joe Clyde to death.

The boy's mother, Krystal Daniels, also was arrested on allegations of aggravated child neglect and endangerment. 

JOE CLYDE DANIELS CASE:Joseph Ray Daniels beat boy to death, disposed of body in 'remote area,' authorities say

The letter sent to Joe Clyde's grandparents claiming the boy was still alive was reported last week. 

The TBI conducted DNA analysis of the letter and provided those results to the Dickson County Sheriff’s Office and 23rd District Attorney General Ray Crouch.

The sheriff’s office said the TBI expedited the DNA analysis, and expressed thanks.

"Due to the Tennessee Supreme Court Rules of Professional Conduct we are unable to comment on the results of the analysis," the press release states. "Just as the TBI stated, we do not believe this submission will change the focus of our investigation."

Court records indicate that Joseph Ray Daniels told investigators he beat the boy to death, put Joe Clyde's body in the trunk of his car and disposed of the remains in a "remote area." 

Volunteers and investigators have canvassed the area for months looking for any sign of Joe Clyde's body.

Sheriff's deputies said in August they were halting the searches until a new clue emerges, and have kept open the possibility of resuming the search after temperatures drop and foliage is reduced. 

JOE CLYDE DANIELS CASE:Letter stating Joe Daniels is alive likely ‘staged,’ Dickson County sheriff says

JOE CLYDE DANIELS CASE:Joseph Ray Daniels was 'quiet’ but when triggered, ‘it wasn't pretty’

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