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Pinellas County John Doe, found in 1980, remains unidentified today.
Unidentified decedents are a name given to a person who had died, but law enforcement officials were unable to conclusively say who they were while alive. Many victims go unidentified for years or even decades before officials are able to conclusively find out who they were before death. One particular case from the U.S. state of Florida was that of Janice Marie Young, a woman was pushed in front of a moving vehicle in 1973,[1] but was not identified until 2015.[2] Over 40,000 decedents still remain unidentified in the United States.
A young black female's remains were located in Orlando, Florida, on January 21, 1977. She was between sixteen and eighteen years old when she died and was between five feet two to five feet eight inches tall (157–172cm) and in a weight range between 110 and 130 pounds (50 and 59 kilograms). She had some unique features, such as a slanted nose and previous injuries to her lower left leg. Found with her body were a pair of jeans, a yellow and brown top decorated with people and flowers, a blue flip-flop sandal, underwear, bra and a bracelet. The bracelet was silver and contained a blue stone.[3]
The skeletal remains of a man were discovered in a wooded area of Alachua County, Florida, on February 13, 1979, along Interstate 75. Near his remains, a noose was found, indicating he committed suicide. He was between 22 and 40 when he died. He stood about 5'6" and was of muscular build, although his weight could not be estimated.[4] He wore brown shoes, a gray button-down shirt, tan pants and a blue windbreaker. Isotope analysis of his bones indicated he was not native to Florida and had not spent a significant time in the state. He likely originated in the states north of Florida, as far as Indiana or Ohio.[5] In 2018, the DNA Doe Project took on the task of identifying him at the request of law enforcement. His DNA has failed 3 sequencing attempts thus far and is slated for a 4th attempt.[6]
A girl presumed to be between sixteen and nineteen years old was found drowned on March 5, 1979 in Bahia Honda Key, Florida. She had died hours before due to unknown circumstances. The Jane Doe was believed to have been a smoker, as she had evidence of emphysema in her lungs. She was white with auburn hair that was curly and had brown eyes. She was approximately fivefeet fiveinches (165cm) tall and weighed 110 pounds (50kg). Distinguishing features included a dental crown made from metal or porcelain, several fillings and evidence of root canals, a visible scar on her right pointer finger and she also had nails that had been well-maintained. She was wearing a black top and blue jeans on the day she died.[7]
On March 25, 1979, the mummified remains of a white man were found in a wooded area near Hallandale Boulevard in Hallandale, Florida. He was estimated to be between 30 and 45 years old, was 5feet 7inches (1.70m) tall and weighed 148 pounds. His hair color and eye color could not be determined. He was found wearing a pair of olive-green trousers with a label reading "Dickies machine wash, no bleach", and a brownish yellow belt with a buckle depicting a Native American horseman.[8]
On August 20, 1980, the decomposing remains of a young man were found on the side of US Route 90, eight miles west of Madison, Florida. He appeared to be a pedestrian who was involved in a fatal hit-and-run accident three days prior to being found. When found, his blood alcohol level was 0.15%. He was estimated to be between 21 and 35 years old and was 6feet 1inch (1.85m) tall. He had straight, brown hair and a light brown mustache and beard. Weight and eye color could not be ascertained. He was found wearing a pair of jeans, a light-colored corduroy, buttoned shirt, a long-sleeved shirt with buttons and cuffs, white socks with a red stripe, and a leather-like belt with a buckle. He had been seen alive by witnesses three days earlier, hitchhiking eastward, east of Greenville, Florida, possibly travelling to Jacksonville. A store clerk had met the man, and the man gave the name "Gerald L. Hill" to him.[9]
On October 10, 1980, the body of a young man was recovered from the Tampa Bay area, underneath the approach to the remains of the then-collapsed Sunshine Skyway Bridge in St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida. He died eighteen to twenty-four hours before he was discovered. He was fivefeet sixinches (168cm) tall and weighed 115 to 135 pounds (52 to 61 kilograms) at the age of fifteen to twenty-five.[10] His hair was curly and his eyes were brown and he had not shaved for several days, as some facial hair was visible on his chin. He was wearing jeans, underwear and socks when he was found.[11]
Pembroke Pines John Doe
Reconstruction of Pembroke Pines John Doe by Samantha Steinberg
On February 13, 1982, the skeletal remains of a young to middle aged white man were found under a pile of brush near the Hollywood Sportatorium, in Pembroke Pines, Florida. He was estimated to have been deceased for 3 to 8 weeks, with no definitive cause of death found. He was estimated to be between 21 and 45 years old, was between 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet tall and weighed between 150 and 170 pounds. He had shoulder length, wavy, reddish-brown hair. He also had multiple healed rib fractures, a curved spine from scoliosis and a hip defect that would have made him most likely walk with a limp. Two teeth were found to be missing from the lower jaw, and he had an overbite.
He was found wearing a pair of blue Calvin Klein jeans, a white T-shirt with orange and red horizontal stripes, and black borders along the stripes, a western-style brown belt, a dark colored loafer style shoe with a silver buckle bearing the letter "P", a pair of tan socks and a pair of yellow underwear. [12]
"Adam Kadmon"
Reconstruction of "Adam Kadmon"
On June 8, 1982, a young man was found deceased on the first floor of the under-construction Atlantic Bank Building in Orlando, Florida. He had died from an accidental fall from somewhere further up in the construction site. He was estimated to be between 25 and 28 years old, was 5feet 6inches (1.68m) tall and weighed approximately 137 pounds (62kg). He was found wearing a pair of blue jeans, a red T-shirt with the inscription "Sebastian Inlet Surf Club", a red vinyl jacket, red socks, a pair of knee-high boots, and a broken silver metallic necklace.
The man had been stopped by police in October 1981 and June 1982, identifying himself as "Adam Kadmon" (implying a Jewish identity) on both occasions. He claimed to be homeless, and that he had recently moved to Orlando from Melbourne Beach, Florida. Police were unable to identify the man with the information given. [13]
Broward County Jane Doe (1982)
Digital reconstruction of Broward County Jane Doe (1982). She may have used the name "Donna".
On the afternoon of August 3, 1982, a young woman was killed after being hit by a tractor trailer in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida. She was probably between fourteen and seventeen, although she may have been as young as twelve or as old as twenty-five. She wore jeans, a dark blue or brown top, and brown sandals; and she had dark blond or light brown hair that was curly in texture.[14] She was of slender build, but with large breasts, at a height of 5ft 2in (157cm) and a weight of 110 pounds (50kg). She had possibly been hitchhiking around the southern United States, in Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana and Nevada; and may have spoken with a Cajun or Southern accent.[15] It is possible that while in Nevada she used the name "Donna", and that she had friends or family living in the area. She had thirty dollars and three business cards; one was linked to a police officer who provided information involving a runaway who stated the details about Nevada.[16]
Manatee County Jane Doe
Reconstruction of Manatee County Jane Doe
On April 9, 1983, the nude remains of a teenage girl of unknown ethnicity were found on the edge of the Sarasota Bay, near Tidy Island, Florida. She appeared to have drowned in the water; the circumstances as to how she drowned are unknown, although the medical examiner believed her death was accidental. However, a suspicious injury was found to her head. She was between 11 and 20 years old, was approximately 5feet 5inches (165cm) tall and weighed between 100 and 110 pounds (45 and 50kg). She had dark brown shoulder-length hair and pierced ears. She was buried in Manatee County Cemetery, however, the exact location of her burial is unknown. Investigators attempted to locate her body for additional testing in the late 2000s, but were unsuccessful. [17]
Duval County John Doe (1983)
1983 Duval County John Doe
On November 2, 1983, police responded to a freight train derailment in Jacksonville, Florida. A young-middle aged white man was found under a flatbed railroad car. He had died as a result of the accident and had most likely been riding on the train. He was estimated to be between 20 and 50 years old, was 6 feet tall and weighed 169 pounds. He had brown hair and hazel eyes, as well as a full beard and mustache. His beard had a slight reddish tone. He was found wearing a nondescript shirt, a pair of trousers and a pair of socks. He also was carrying a bag with another full outfit and two pairs of socks. He also had 43 cents in coins on his person. He had been drinking before the accident, and had a blood alcohol level of 0.02%. [18]
On May 24, 1985, the decomposing remains of a white man were found at the end of a dead-end road in Gibsonton, Florida. He had committed suicide by gunshot. He was between 40 and 60 years old and was between 5 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall. Weight, hair color, and eye color could not be ascertained. Investigators believe that he may have been a smoker. He was found wearing a leather 'Ranch Wear' jacket, a western-style, tan, long-sleeved shirt, green/brown pants, a white T-shirt, white jockey shorts, a pair of red-brown mit-top zipper ankle boots, and brown socks. A pair of eyeglasses and a pack of Merit cigarettes were also found with the man. Investigators believe that the man was homeless, and had come to Florida recently before his death. Isotope testing showed that he was born in the Northeastern US, but had spent the past decade of his life in the Mid-Northwest of the United States. [19]
A white female was located behind a store on December 27, 1988, in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida. She had apparently died twelve hours before of a cocaine overdose, presumed to be accidental. The female had not died at the location, however, as her body was likely dumped by another individual. She was estimated to be between the ages of twenty-one and forty and had curly auburn hair and brown or gray-hazel eyes.[20] She was estimated to be at the height of fivefeet fourinches (163cm) tall and was about 108 pounds (49kg). The woman had a distinct tattoo of a blue butterfly on her lower abdomen. She was clothed, except for shoes, as she was wearing jeans and a pink and white sweater. A ring and a watch were noted as jewelry.[21]
On March 18, 1992, a Hispanic teenage boy was found to have hung himself in a vacant structure in Tampa, Florida. He appeared to have been living at the vacant home for eight to nine months. He was between 14 and 16 years old, was between 5 feet 4 inches and 5 feet 7 inches tall, and weighed 126 pounds. He had dark brown, wavy hair with sparse facial hair and brown eyes. He was found wearing a white "Kevin's Cutting Co." T-shirt, red sweatpants, and black running shoes. He was initially believed to be between 20 and 30, and may have been Asian, however, isotope testing and further analysis indicated that he was a younger Hispanic teenager, and was born and raised along the Pacific Coast of South America, possibly Ecuador or Colombia. He had only been in the United States for a few years. [22]
On January 18, 1993, the decomposing remains of a White or Hispanic young man were found hanging between two walk-in refrigerator units, behind a supermarket in Frostproof, Florida. He was deceased for at least a week. He was between 16 and 25 years old, was approximately 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighed between 135 and 140 pounds. He had long, brown hair and a goatee. He was also possibly a smoker, and had suffered from some physical trauma during his life, as fractured teeth and signs of a previously broken nose were present. He was found wearing a long-sleeve, light gray shirt with buttons and snaps on the front, gray Levi jeans, and brown sneakers with yellow stripes. Isotope testing indicated that he may have been from Central America, possibly Mexico. [23]
On April 29, 1995, the skeletal remains of a middle aged/elderly white man were found in a wooded area in Tampa, Florida, near a makeshift homeless camp. He was between 56 and 65 years old and was between 5feet 3inches (1.60m) and 5feet 8inches (1.73m) tall. Weight, hair color, and eye color could not be ascertained. Investigators believe the man was possibly homeless, and may have been an individual in the area known as "Bob", a homeless man last seen sometime in October 1994. [24]
On March 21, 1996, the skeleton of an African American male was found by a young child in a wooded area near a residence in Orlando Florida. He was estimated to be between 16 and 20 years old, and was between 5feet 5inches (1.65m) and 5feet 11inches (1.80m) tall. Weight, eye color, and hair color could not be ascertained, as the body had been at the location for approximately two years. It was noted that the victim had evidence of possibly being a laborer in life. Cause of death could not be ascertained, however, investigators found that the victim had suffered severe injuries that were consistent with falling from a massive height. Investigators believe that he may have fallen from a passing aircraft overhead, as the house was in a direct line with flight patterns out of Orlando Executive Airport and Orlando International Airport.[25]
"Joy Neubauer"
Reconstruction of "Joy Neubauer"
On November 27, 1996, a young white woman was found hanging from a lifeguard stand near Spanish River Park in Boca Raton, Florida. She was estimated to be between 20 and 35 years old, was 5feet 10inches (1.78m) tall and weighed 174 pounds (79kg). She had short, brown hair and blue eyes, as well as acne scars on her face. She had had extensive dental work during her life. She was found wearing a pair of blue shorts, a pink bra, and a button-up, long-sleeved, blue/green and white shirt with small plaid print. She had approached police officers about twelve hours earlier, stating that she had recently become homeless and asked about shelters in the area. She gave the officers the name "Joy Neubauer", but no official forms of identification. Officers gave her the information and offered her a ride to the nearest shelter, but she refused. Investigators do not think she was a transient from the local area. [26]
Duval County John Doe (1998)
On July 8, 1998, the mummified remains of a middle-aged African American man were found by a road survey crew, in a wooded area, near Interstate 10 at Mile Marker 349. He was estimated to be between 40 and 65 years old and was approximately 5feet 8inches (1.73m) tall. He had short, graying, curly black hair. He was found wearing a pair of blue jeans and black boots; an illegible Greyhound bus ticket and a pack of Newport cigarettes were found nearby. The man was possibly seen alive about a month earlier, walking along the Interstate, acting ill and disoriented. When authorities responded, the man claimed that he was okay, then ran into the woods, about 50 yards from where the remains were found.[27]
On September 29, 1999, the decomposing body of a middle age, possibly white female was found on an abandoned cabin cruiser, floating off Sigsby Bay near Key West, Florida, after investigators had gotten an anonymous tip from a possible boyfriend that she was suicidal. Cause of death was found to be an overdose of alcohol and amphetamine, with suicide being considered. She was estimated to be between 35 and 60 years old, was between 4feet 10inches (1.47m) and 5feet 3inches (1.60m) tall, had black hair, and weighed 140 pounds (64kg). Eye color could not be ascertained. Investigators believe that she had given birth at some point during her life. She was wearing charcoal colored swim trunks, cotton brief underpants, a tank top with a pink flamingo emblem, a rope necklace with a glass amulet attached, and a beaded string amulet on her right ankle. Investigators also discovered a poem with her body, detailing life and death, as well as a message stating that the boat's owner would soon be returning from Alaska. When asked, the boyfriend told them that the only name she was ever referred to by was 'Cinnamon', and that she never told anyone her actual name.[28]
Palm Beach County John Doe (2003)
Reconstruction of Palm Beach County John Doe (2003)
On September 7, 2003, the body of an elderly white man was found floating, face down, about five miles east of the Boynton Inlet, in Boynton Beach, Florida. He was estimated to be between 65 and 75 years old, was between 5 feet 7 inches and 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighed between 160 and 176 pounds. He had red, brownish hair and hazel eyes. He had an old tattoo on his arm, possibly of an anchor. He was found wearing a white T-shirt, a white polo shirt with black and brown pin stripes, khaki pants and brown socks. Investigators could not find any signs of trauma to his body. He may have entered the water in Dade or Broward County. [29]
Volusia County John Doe (2006)
Reconstruction of Volusia County John Doe
On January 8, 2006, the skeletal remains of a white man (with unelaborated admixture) were found in a wooded area in DeLand, Florida. He had shot and killed himself in an area that investigators described as 'not heavily trafficked by people'. He had been deceased for anywhere between six months to seven years. He was estimated to be between 25 and 65 years old and was between 5 feet 9 inches and 6 feet 6 inches tall. Weight, hair color, and eye color could not be ascertained. He was found wearing a pair of "Converse All Star Chuck Taylor" shorts, a pair of navy blue sweat pants, a T-shirt, three pairs of assorted white sport socks, and a pair of "Converse All Star" basketball shoes with white soles and blue stripes. Various personal effects were found with the man, including a pair of glasses, a Walkman media player, a backpack with an unfired .45 ACP cartridge, a .45 caliber pistol, a Radio Shack portable alarm clock, and a wallet with no ID. Investigators could not find any sign of charring on the bones, which would have been burned from wildfires in the area in 1998, leading them to believe that they were not in the area before that. [30]
On March 14, 2009, the incomplete, skeletal remains of a teenage Hispanic boy were found in Wimauma, Florida. Three fractures were observed on the victim's skull, which was ruled as the cause of death, however the manner in which they happened remains undetermined. He was estimated to be between 12 and 20 years old and was between 4 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 4 inches tall. Weight, hair color, and eye color could not be ascertained. He was found wearing a pair of jeans with "ICE POLE USA" stitched on the legs. A wallet and chain with "CHOPPER" embroidered on the leather was also found, as well as a "La Tarjeta Gorda" phone card for five dollars. Isotope testing found that he was likely born near Oaxaca, Mexico, or the lowlands of Guatemala. [31]
On November 8, 2010, the decomposed remains of a middle aged/elderly white man were found in a wooded area in Tampa, Florida, near a Mobile Gas Station. He appeared to have died from natural causes. He was between 50 and 60 years old, was between 5 feet 5 inches and 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighed between 90 and 105 pounds. He had gray hair and a beard with a mustache. He also had a healed fracture to his face which may have caused the bridge of his nose to appear crooked. He also had an active infection on the left side of his face. He was found wearing a blue work shirt, wide-leg blue jeans, a black belt, white socks, red Hanes underwear with a gray and white elastic band, and a black athletic-style plastic watch with a silver detailing around the watch face. The man was a known transient in the area who lived in the woods, and was discovered by another homeless man after he hadn't heard from the decedent for five to six months. Witnesses claim that the man was known as "Preacher Man" and "Mike", but were unable to provide a full name. [32]
Hendry County John Doe
2011 Hendry County John Doe
On April 25, 2011, the decomposed remains of a young/middle aged Hispanic man were found in a canal near a migrant labor camp in Hendry County, Florida. He had been deceased for approximately two days, and alligators were witnessed in the water near the man's body, however it was not stated whether the body had suffered any postmortem damage from animals. He was estimated to be between 30 and 50 years old and was 5 feet 2 inches tall. He had black hair and his left ear had been pierced once. Weight and eye color could not be ascertained. He was found wearing a pair of jeans, a black shirt, a dark colored belt and blue brief underpants.
The unidentified man bore a resemblance to a man working at the camp, who went by the name, "Bernardo Guadez". Guadez had gone missing on the 12th according to other workers, after going on a drinking binge. Despite the lead, no definitive identification has been made. [33]
On June 14, 2013, the skeletal remains of a young/middle aged Hispanic man were found on State Route 70 in Arcadia, Florida. He had been deceased for approximately a month. He was estimated to be between 25 and 50 years old, was between 4 feet 9 inches tall and 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighed between 125 and 150 pounds. He had black hair, however his eye color was unable to be ascertained. He appeared to suffer from Klippel-Feil Syndrome, and most likely would have appeared to have a very short neck. He was found wearing a blue, long-sleeved, work-style shirt with the name "Gary" and a label reading "Shore Mechanical Shop". The name on the shirt has not led to any leads towards the man's identity. He was also wearing a pair of gray work pants, a brown belt with a buckle of the Virgin Mary, brown Rhino brand boots and a black tank-top undershirt. [34]
James Hendricks and Kimberlin Mills are American murder victims who were discovered on June 17, 1978. The pair were believed to have been seen together at a truck stop in Missouri, which is where the murders are presumed to have taken place. Hendricks was left at the crime scene while Mills was found in Mississippi County, Arkansas.
Sahara Sue is the informal nickname given to a murder victim who was found in Las Vegas, Nevada, on August 14, 1979. Her identity is unknown. She was nicknamed "Sahara Sue" because her body was found near the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas, at the intersection of Sahara and Las Vegas Boulevard. Recent developments indicate she may have used the name "Shawna" or "Shauna" when she was alive.
The Redhead murders refers to a series of unsolved homicides of redheaded females in the United States between October 1978 and 1992, believed to have been committed by an unidentified male serial killer. The murders believed to be related have occurred in states including Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The murders may have continued until 1992. The victims, many remaining unidentified for years, were usually women with reddish hair, whose bodies were abandoned along major highways in the United States. Officials believe that the women were likely hitchhiking or may have engaged in sex work.
DNA Doe Project is an American non-profit volunteer organization formed to identify unidentified deceased persons using forensic genealogy. Volunteers identify victims of automobile accidents, homicide, and unusual circumstances, and persons who committed suicide under an alias. The group was founded in 2017 by Colleen Fitzpatrick and Margaret Press.
Othram Incorporated is an American company specializing in forensic genealogy to help solve cold cases using DNA, typically unsolved murders, disappearances, and identification of unidentified decedents or murder victims. The company also offers law enforcement agencies tools and programs to infer kinship among individuals, both closely and distantly related, through a combination of short tandem repeat (STR) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) testing, as well as forensic genome sequencing of DNA.
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