The Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed the identity of a man whose body was found in his home on August 6, 2022 as that of James Z. Smith (formerly known as Joseph G. Quagliani). 

The Humane Society for Southwest Washington was instrumental in providing leads that facilitated locating dentists. Dental offices, in another region of the country, were contacted and expeditiously produced antemortem digital x-rays and dental charting. Subsequently, Forensic Odontologist, Dr. Kyle Tanaka, was able to confirm Mr. Smith’s identity within hours of receiving the antemortem dental records.

Dr. Kyle Tanaka is a practicing dentist who is also a forensic odontologist certified by the American Board of Forensic Odontology (https://abfo.org/). He volunteers as a Forensic Odontology Consultant to the Washington State Patrol Missing and Unidentified Persons Unit.

Medical Examiner opinions as to the cause and manner of death are pending. 

Reports and records of autopsies or postmortems shall be confidential as per RCW 68.50.105. No additional information is available for release from the Medical Examiner’s Office. 

Nikki J. Costa

Operations Manager