List of unidentified decedents in the United States
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Miss X is one of the most widely publicized unidentified decedent cases in the United States.
An unidentified decedent, or UID, is a deceased person whose legal identity is unable to be determined by law enforcement. Although the majority of individuals are identified soon after their bodies are recovered, it is not uncommon for bodies to remain unidentified for years or even decades. There are approximately 40,000 unidentified decedents in the United States at any given time.[1][2]
A deceased body can be identified in several different ways. Most commonly, a relative of the deceased identifies the body by sight. However, if a body is decomposed, skeletal, or unrecognizable due to severe facial trauma at the time of recovery, other methods must be used. Some common modes of identification include fingerprint comparison, dental records, chest x-rays and comparing the deceased's DNA to the DNA sequence of relatives such as a parent or sibling. Since identification of a deceased individual is a legal matter, officials require a high degree of certainty in order to make a formal identification.[3]
On March 27, 1961, police responded to a vehicular accident in Centreville, Alabama where a car plunged off a bridge into the Cahaba River. The driver of the vehicle survived, however a teenage boy, estimated to be between 14 and 17 years old, did not. He was estimated to be between 5 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 8 inches tall, and weighed 120 pounds (54kg). He had light brown hair, which appeared bleached, as his eyebrows and eyelashes were a darker shade of brown. He had blue eyes and may have walked with a limp as well as most likely smoked. There was also evidence that he had broken his neck as well as his hand in two places. He also had a tattoo which said "RY in LOVE" or "RY + LOVE". A timex wrist watch as well as a bag containing various clothing items, a photograph possibly containing the decedent with a girl, and a pack of Pall Mall cigarettes were found with the body. The boy had been hitchhiking with the driver. The driver claimed that the boy had told him various details about his life, which he recounted to the police. He claimed to have run away from home after his parents had separated, leaving him with the choice of either living in an orphanage or joining the Navy. His remains were exhumed in 2016 to obtain DNA, however his DNA did not match anyone in any national database.[4]
On January 14, 1977, the skeletal remains of a white male were found sitting under a tree in a wooded area near Interstate 85 in Tuskegee, Alabama. He was estimated to be between 20 and 25 years old, was approximately 6 feet tall, and weighed between 135 and 155 pounds. His hair was dark brown, approximately 4 inches in length. Eye color could not be determined. He wore Faded Glory jeans with three brass buttons, a grayish pullover sweater, blue socks, and brown Oxford style shoes with visible paint residue. He also had received a partial upper denture as well as a prosthetic tooth. Investigators believe he had been sitting at the location for approximately 16 months and could not find signs of foul play, believing he died of a possible snake bite or of natural causes.[5]
On December 21, 1991, the decomposing/putrifying body of a white/Native American male was found hanging from a tree by a group of hunters in a wooded area off Route 227 in Hendrixville, Alabama. The manner of death was deemed a suicide. The man stood between 5feet 11inches and 6feet 1inch (1.80–1.85m), and weighed between 165 and 180 pounds (75–82kg). Hair and eye color could not be ascertained. Investigators estimate that he had most likely died in August of that year. An abandoned blue Ford Escort car nearby was found to contain notes and other personal effects that implied the man had used the pseudonym "Damon Hunter", had briefly stayed in a hotel in Fargo, North Dakota, and had intended to rob a business in order to pay back lenders who had assaulted him and threatened his parents.[6] A theory is being investigated that he may have been a victim of a homicide that was later staged as a suicide.[citation needed]
On September 14, 1999, the partial skeletal remains of a white male was discovered by a group of fishermen on a beach in Dauphin Island, Alabama. He was estimated to be between 20 and 40 years old and stood between 5feet 1inch and 5feet 7inches (1.55–1.70m) tall. Weight, eye color, and hair color could not be ascertained due to the condition of the remains. He still had a baby tooth intact as well as a wisdom tooth extracted. It was initially believed that he was younger than what was later estimated, due to the decedent's height. It is believed he either died after falling off a boat or in a helicopter crash.[7][8]
On March 26, 2000, the decomposed body of a middle aged Native American/Asian American/white man were found in the Styx River in Seminole, Alabama. He had drowned in the river, and foul play is not suspected. He was between 47 and 53 years old, was approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, and weighed between 150 and 160 pounds. He had short black hair and a goatee. He also had multiple tattoos, one of a woman's face with braided hair with the name "Becky" above it on his left arm, and three other tattoos of female figures. He was found wearing a shirt, blue denim pants, and a single blue sock on his left foot. Investigators have been following the name "Becky" as a potential loved one, however have not been able to find anyone matching her. Releasing images of the man did not garner any leads either.
In 2020, it was announced that the man's body would be exhumed for DNA and additional information.[9]
Blount County John Doe
On October 31, 2005, the skeletal remains of a young/middle aged white male were found near some railroad tracks near US Route 31, southeast of Garden City, Alabama. He was between 33 and 43 years old, and was between 5 feet 5 inches tall and 5 feet 8 inches tall. He had a fractured clavicle and an unclear condition with his lower back. He had brown hair and brown eyes. Weight could not be ascertained. A .22 caliber revolver with 5 spent cartridge cases were found near the body, as well as a woman's drivers license. When asked about the license, the woman who owned it claimed that her common law husband had stolen the license and had not been seen since 2004.[10]
Baldwin County John Doe
On September 24, 2005, the body of a young Hispanic man was found on the Gulf Shores Public Beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama. He was witnessed drowning after being dragged into the water by heavy surf caused by Hurricane Rita. He had been in a group with three other men, and one tried to save him from the surf. He was in his early twenties, and was approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighed between 125 and 148 pounds. He had black hair with a mustache and goatee. Investigators believe that the group he was in was in the United States illegally. His fingerprints were taken but did not match any fingerprints on file from the US Department of Immigration and Naturalization nor the FBI. A photograph of him was also shown to local Hispanic residents, but nobody recognized him. He is currently buried in a pauper's grave in Baldwin Cemetery in Foley, Alabama.
Lincoln Jane Doe
On May 5, 2012, the decomposing remains of a middle aged to elderly woman were found in the backyard of an abandoned house near the Talladega Superspeedway in Lincoln, Alabama. A multi-day race was being held when the body was recovered, however no connection to the event and the woman was established. Investigators determined that she had died of natural causes, possibly lung cancer. She was estimated to be between 45 and 65 years old, was 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighed 116 pounds. She had graying sandy-brown hair and brown eyes. She was found wearing a pair of dark blue sweatpants, a navy-blue shirt, and a pair of white or off white slippers. She was also found to have a pair of dentures, with the name "Powders" engraved on them.[11]
Othram Inc. was contacted to assist with her identification in October 2020.[12]
On August 23, 1989 a police officer was stopped by a citizen, who told them about a man running down the road naked.[13] In the area of a local McDonald's, this man was climbing up a center flagpole without clothing on.[14] The officer called up to the man and did not get a response. The man then let go and fell to the ground, his death being ruled a suicide. The man was white, and estimated to be between 25 and 40 years old. He stood at approximately 6 feet 1 inch tall, and weighed 180 pounds. He was described as having brown curly hair along with a beard, as well as blue eyes[15]
Fingerprints of the man were sent all over the United States, and no match was found. The FBI and Canada also received prints and they did not find any matches. Toxicology tests were done on the man, the results coming out as negative.
On June 4, 1933, the skeleton of a white male was discovered in the Grand Canyon by photographer Emery Kolb. He was estimated to be between 18 and 22 years old and was 6 feet tall. Weight, eye color, and hair color could not be ascertained due to the condition of the remains. Clothing found on the decedent was described as 'cheap', and included khaki trousers, a white cotton shirt, a single sandal, and a belt. The manner of death was deemed a suicide, as a small caliber pistol was found near the body, as well as a .22 caliber bullet in the decedent's skull.
In 1976, after the passing of Kolb, the remains of a John Doe were found in a boat in the rafters in his garage. There was speculation that this was the remains of Glen Hyde who had vanished with his wife, Bessie Hyde, in 1928. However, upon examination, the body was determined to be younger than Hyde.[16]
On August 6, 1992, the mummified body of a female aged sixteen to eighteen was found in Apache Junction, Pinal County, Arizona. The victim was wearing a white T-shirt with soccer-related designs, whitish undergarments, cutoff denim shorts and a gold ring on her left hand ring finger. The female also had a ponytail-holder and a penny. A round piece of paper was also found, which had a green illustration of Abraham Lincoln and the Lincoln Memorial on respective sides. A token for the Phoenix Transit System was also found with the remains. She was approximately five feet to five feet two inches tall (152–157cm) and had an indeterminable weight.[17] She likely died three to ten weeks before, due to an unknown cause. The female's race was difficult to assess, but it was initially believed she was either Native American or Hispanic.[18] She had a visible overbite with no trace of dental care on her teeth.[19]
In 2018 the Apache Junction police department requested the help of the DNA Doe Project to identify the female by autosomal DNA testing on the body and using DNA genealogy to trace relatives.[20][21] An update from the DNA Doe Project, released on their Facebook account, later revealed that the decedent was of mixed African American and Hispanic descent. She also had substantial DNA ties to Southern-Central Virginia, the southwestern United States, and Mexico.[22]
Another update was released in June 2021, in which investigators had found a close relative of the girl by the name of "Bernhard Lyon Neumann", although investigators are unknown if the man still goes by the name. He was believed to be born in 1953 near Darmstadt and Eberstadt, Germany to a woman named "Else Maria Neumann" and an African American service member. He may have been adopted during his live. Investigators do not believe Neumann was involved with her death, and are simply looking for him to help identify the girl.
On February 4, 1997, the partially burned remains of an African American female were found in an abandoned blue Honda Accord in Phoenix, Arizona. She was a known transient in the area, and the car she was found inside was not registered to her. She was estimated to be anywhere between 20 and 50 years old, stood at approximately 5 feet 3 inches, and weighed approximately 100 pounds. She was also missing all teeth.
She wore blue pants and a grey shirt, as well as a yellow metal necklace with large links, and a watch. A brown vinyl purse was found with her, which was empty. Words were written on the outside of the purse, saying "Moniqued hates allende spiriteds from out of hell moniqued hates all satan god malesd childrens and shall soon be alal end evil".[23] The DNA Doe Project was asked to help identify the body in April, 2020.[24]
On July 11, 1998, a white male was fatally struck by a vehicle in Phoenix, Arizona. He was between 40 and 70 years old, 5 feet 9 inches tall, and weighed 190 pounds. The man had gray hair, a beard of matching color, and blue eyes. He wore green pants and brown sandals. Most of the man's teeth were missing. The man was a known transient in the area for many years, and was simply known to locals as "Box Mike". It is unknown if the name 'Mike' was actually part of his name or simply a pseudonym given by locals.[25]
The DNA Doe Project was asked to assist with the man's identification in April 2021.[26]
A Hispanic or Native American female most likely aged between 15 and 19 whose body was discovered in Tempe, Arizona, in April 2002. She had died of acute cocaine intoxication approximately 24 hours before the discovery of her body.[27]
On November 21, 2004, a heavyset White/Hispanic woman was fatally struck in a hit and run accident on Broadway Street, in Phoenix, Arizona. She was estimated to be between 40 and 50 years old, was 5 feet 4 inches tall, and weighed 180 pounds. She had short black hair and brown eyes. She wore green sweatpants and a flowered T-shirt.[28] The DNA Doe Project was asked to assist with the woman's identification in April, 2020. An update was released in August, 2020, stating that she may have relatives in Calvillo, Aguascalientes, Mexico. Also included was a flyer in Spanish to be shared on social media sites to help identify the victim.[29]
Sahaurita Jane Doe
Sahaurita Jane Doe
On July 11, 2005, the skeletal remains of a white woman were discovered near a road near Interstate 19 in Sahaurita, Arizona. She was estimated to be between 33 and 62 years old and was between 4 feet 10 inches and 5 feet 2 inches tall. Weight, hair color and eye color could not be ascertained. She was found wearing a pair of "Anti-Basicx Daily" brand jeans, a lightweight green and brown jacket, and one white "Revelation" brand shoe.[30]
On June 24, 2008, the decomposing remains of a young/middle aged Hispanic man were found on a dirt road south of State Route 86 in Gunsight, Arizona on the Tohono O'odham Reservation. He was estimated to be between 30 and 45 years old, and was 5 feet 4 inches tall. He had medium, brown hair with hints of blonde or red. Weight and eye color could not be ascertained. He had a removable denture on one of his front teeth. He was found wearing a black T-shirt with the words "Fast Mo Fo" on the front, a shirt of unknown color, light blue Lee jeans, purple athletic shorts with "NYS" on the front-left side, a brown leather belt, black and red soccer cleats, a yellow metal bracelet, a brown cord necklace with a charm, a cloth bracelet, a yellow metal ring with green stones and a yellow metal ring with clear stones. He was also found with a cell phone case, an MP3 player with headphones, a crystal clear cube, scissors, nail clippers, a USB drive, bus tickets, and a receipt from a clinic in Hermosillo, Sonora with the name "Junio Joel Ruiz" dated June 4, 2008. The name found on the receipt could not be confirmed by Mexican authorities. His fingerprints matched those of an unidentified man caught by border patrol in 2000, who were able to take a picture of the man during the time.[31]
Arkansas
Crittenden County John Doe (1983)
Crittenden County John Doe
On May 2, 1983, a white male was fatally struck by a long-haul truck traveling east on Interstate 40 in West Memphis, Arkansas. The man had reportedly been walking down the middle of the lane and was struck by the truck while trying to be avoided. The man was estimated to be between 30 and 60 years old, was 5feet 6inches (1.68m) tall, and weighed 129 pounds (59kg). He had short black-gray hair and a beard, as well as brown eyes. He wore a blue coat, blue pants, a T-shirt, a brown and white shirt, jockey shorts, a black belt with a large gold colored buckle with the word "Walt" inscribed on it, a gold ring with a clear stone, a pair of socks and a single brown shoe. He was found wearing a set of upper dentures. He was also found with a brown wallet containing US$30.92, a small bible, two small pieces of paper with what appeared to be names and numbers, a red cigarette lighter, and two packs of cigarettes, one Salem and one Lucky branded. He may have possibly been a transient or hitchhiker.[32]
Hot Spring County John Doe (1984)
Hot Spring County John Doe
In Malvern, Hot Spring County, Arkansas, a man died on October 20, 1984, two days after he was recovered from a vehicle that was submerged in water. The victim, as described by the passenger of the car, was a man from New Haven, Connecticut, who was hitchhiking to California. The subject had been driving the passenger's car, as he was less drowsy than his companion, who had decided to sleep instead of drive.[33] The unidentified man was of Caucasian descent, had brown hair and brown eyes and also wore a beard. He was twenty-five to thirty-five years old and was fivefeet eightinches (173cm) tall at a weight of 167 pounds (76kg). He wore tan pants, a sweater, a second top, multicolored socks and boots.[34]
On April 20, 1985, the skeletal remains of a young/middle aged female were found near the Arkansas River in Wrightsville, Arkansas. She was believed to have died sometime during 1985. She was estimated to be between 30 and 40 years old and was 5feet 3inches (1.60m) tall, with reddish-blonde hair. Weight and eye color could not be ascertained. She was found wearing a multi-colored blouse and a bra. Investigators believe she may possibly be a victim of the Redhead Murders, however, no definitive link has been established.[35]
On June 19, 1970, the decomposed remains of a white male were found in a ditch alongside a road near Independence Pass Summit in Twin Lakes, Colorado. Cause of death was determined to most likely be an accident. The remains were found to be buried under a rockfall, as well as missing a left arm. It is theorized that his arm may have been removed postmortem by a snowplow. The male was estimated to be between 18 and 30 years old, was between 5 feet 6 inches tall and 5 feet 8 inches tall, and weighed between 120 and 150 pounds. Eye color could not be ascertained. He wore a tattered sweatshirt, three pairs of socks, hiking shoes, and a pair of light 'wash-and wear' pants. he was found to have seven dollars and a razor blade in his pocket.[36]
On April 15, 1982, the nearly skeletal remains of a white/possibly Native American male were found by a rancher in rural Araphoe County, Colorado, approximately a half-mile north of Interstate 70 and four miles east of Byers, Colorado. He was approximately 50 years old, was between 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet 2 inches tall, and weighed between 170 and 190 pounds. Cause of death, hair color, and eye color could not be determined, but it is estimated that he may have had black or graying hair.
He was estimated to have most likely died the previous year. He was found wearing strong prescription eyeglasses with black electrical tape on both the nose and ear pieces, brown work pants, a tan and brown vertically striped short sleeve shirt, and a baseball cap. It has been inferred that the decedent may have a possible connection to the Kicking Horse Job Corps. Center in Ronan, Montana, as his hat possibly bore the logo.[37]
Denver John Doe (1990)
Denver John Doe (1990)
On November 5, 1990, a young white man was found unresponsive on the southbound exit from Interstate 70 eastbound to Intestate 25 in Denver, Colorado. He was estimated to be between 30 and 35 years old, was 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighed 120 pounds. He had brown hair, brown eyes, a goatee, and notably bushy eyebrows. He was found wearing a brown jacket with a white fur lining, a gray long-sleeved shirt with red and blue horizontal stripes, a white T-shirt, a pair of blue jeans and a pair of brown shoes. He was also carrying a brown wallet.[38]
On September 16, 1994, the body of a young white/Hispanic man was found inside of a boxcar of a train in Fort Collins, Colorado. He had suffered severe blunt force trauma to the head, most likely from having his head caught in the door of the boxcar as the train abruptly stopped. He was estimated to be between 25 and 35 years old, was 5 feet 9 inches tall, and weighed between 135 and 145 pounds. He had black wavy hair and a black mustache, as well as brown eyes. He was found wearing a blue nylon windbreaker with an "ARA Services Mile High Stadium" logo, which had only been issued from Mile High Stadium in Denver. He was also wearing a black or grey/white plaid shirt, a red sweatshirt, a pair of khaki trousers with "Chana y Gris" written on the thigh of one leg, a pair of white briefs, and a pair of white/black canvas and vinyl athletic shoes. A religious pamphlet from Jeremiah Baptist Church in Denver was also found in one of his pockets. Investigators believed he may have been a transient, as well as an illegal immigrant from Mexico.[39]
On August 10, 1999, the skeletal remains of a young/middle aged woman of unknown race were found in an old abandoned refrigerator in a rural area on State Route 610, three miles northwest of Walsenburg, Colorado. A man had found the remains, but had waited three weeks before sending a letter to the Huerfano County Sheriff's office, from Albuquerque, New Mexico. She was estimated to be between 30 and 45 years old, was between 5 feet 7 inches and 6 feet tall, and was described to have possibly had a moderate weight. She had brown, shoulder length hair. She was described as being very tall. She was found wearing a light-colored sleeveless crop-top T-shirt, a pair of Wrangler jeans, a maroon/red sports bra, a pair of men's thermal long underwear bottoms with a Winston cigarette logo, red or pink knee-high athletic socks, and a pair of black/dark brown sandals with leather straps and rubber soles. The refrigerator was from the Philco brand, and was estimated to have been made sometime between the 1940s and 1960s. Various trash items were found in the fridge which were dated between 1988 and 1992.[40]
On October 14, 2000, the skeletal remains of a young/middle aged Asian/Hispanic man were discovered in a makeshift campsite on the prairie north of Pueblo, Colorado. Cause of death could not be found, but investigators found no signs of foul play. He was between 35 and 50 years old, was 6 feet 1 inch tall, and weighed 200 pounds. He had black hair styled in long dreadlocks. He had evidence of degenerative joint disease, possibly due to alcoholism, use of steroids, trauma or decompression sickness. He also had arthritis in his spine and may have walked with a noticeable limp. He was found wearing a gray sweatshirt, blue sweatpants, and a grey jacket. A military green duffel backpack was found with the victim. A few pieces of paper were also found, one had a list of phone numbers for the Spanish Peaks Mental Health Centers and another had a list of addresses for homeless shelters in Denver.
The campsite had only a pair of sleeping bags, one in which the decedent was found in, several canteens and changes of clothing, and a tent that had not been pitched. A witness claimed that he had seen the man camping in another open area about two months prior. The man claimed to be from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and was trying to get to Denver. He claimed that he was no longer allowed on the land and had to move, but was only found a half mile away. Investigators believe that he may have been mentally ill and was released or walked away from a mental hospital.[41]
On September 8, 2004, the skeletal remains of a white male was found in a decaying campsite in a remote wooded area in White River National Forest in Garfield County, Colorado. His age range was hard to estimate, and he is currently estimated to be between 27 and 65 years old. He was between 5 feet 11 inches and 6 feet 2 inches tall. Weight, eye color, and hair color could not be ascertained. Cause of death was most likely natural/exposure. He showed signs of severe neck and back problems, as well as signs of being a smoker.
He wore brown and black Timberland hiking boots, but any other clothing had since rotted away. He was estimated to have been dead for anywhere up to 5 years. Various camping items were found at the site, as well as various toiletries, US$620 in cash, two maps of the Flat Tops Wilderness Area with a route drawn to where the remains were discovered, pepper spray, 8 butane lighters, 20 packs of Camel cigarettes, pepper spray, and a RadioShack '4 in 1' game.
A green journal, with a hand drawn heart with figures inside as well as a cat, was also found with the remains, which had been damaged by nature. It describes what may be the decedent's last days, as well as possible details of the trip the decedent was on. Further information was hard to ascertain from the journal, due to damage.[42]
On July 11, 2011, an older African American woman was found deceased in a motel in Fort Collins, Colorado after motel staff had assumed she had checked out. She had committed suicide by taking massive amounts of medication which were found with her. She was estimated to be between 55 and 70 years old, was 5 feet 6 inches tall, and weighed 211 pounds. She had curly black hair which was graying and whiting and brown eyes. She had a scar on her lower mid-line and one on her chin. She was also witnessed to have walked with a cane. She was found wearing a brown/black/white paisley pullover top, a black undershirt, a black bra, black pants, white cotton panties, white socks, black shoes, white metal earrings, a white metal wristwatch and a white metal chain necklace. Two suitcases were found in the room with various clothing and toiletry items. A walking cane, an unmarked bag of medication, a pair of black plastic-framed eyeglasses, a black purse, a bible, a book titled "The Political Teachings of Jesus" and a wallet without any identification were found.
She had been witnessed multiple times at the motel. She arrived by taxi and paid for the room up front with cash. She had also stayed at various other motels in the area, and always took the taxi and paid in cash, giving different false names to each one. She gave the motel in which she was found the name "Sandra Nelson". She had also claimed that she was from Park City, Utah or Los Angeles and was looking for a house in the area.[43]
On July 10, 2016, the skull of a white male was found in an area known as the 'Sky Chutes' between Copper Mountain Ski Resort and Breckinridge, Colorado. More remains and personal items were found on August 3. Age was hard to ascertain, as the body was estimated to be in the location for around 4 years, as water bottles dated 2012 were found with him. He was estimated to be between 23 and 66 years old, and was between 5 feet 5 inches tall and 6 feet 3 inches tall. Weight and eye color could not be ascertained. The decedent had strawberry blond hair and showed evidence of being a smoker.
He was found wearing a Black Diamond headlamp, foot traction devices, a purple and grey Fila backpack, a blue Life is Good brand baseball cap, black North Face winter clothing, a blue/teal buttoned shirt, white knit thermal underwear, black gloves, gold wire-rimmed reading glasses, brown/white outdoor socks.
Cause of death was found to be suicide by gunshot to the head, however circumstances surrounding a possible suicide have puzzled investigators. The decedent was also found with advanced survival gear, which investigators have stated, proved inconsistent with someone having suicidal thoughts. The case was taken on by the DNA Doe Project in September 2019.[44] An update in October, 2020 revealed that he may be of Scandinavian descent.[45]
The partial skeleton of a woman was found near a water-processing plant on April 20, 1979 in West Haven, Connecticut. She was between 18 and 25 years old; the manner and cause of her death have not been determined. She had died between 1971 and 1978, a year to eight years before she was located.
A black-lace bra was the only article of clothing found; the woman also had a folding alarm clock. The victim also had tooth fillings, signs of a dental disease and congenitally-missing wisdom teeth. She may also have had some back problems; there may have been a missing vertebra, and there was some evidence of arthritis.[46]
A young, pregnant female discovered deceased in Bear, Delaware, in 1967. She and her unborn child died due to sepsis.[47]
New Castle County Jane Doe (2002)
FBI reconstruction of New Castle County Jane Doe (2002)
On January 24, 2002, the decomposed remains of a young to middle aged female were found by workers while boarding up a vacant house in Wilmington, Delaware. The state's medical examiner was unable to find the cause of death, and she had been deceased for months. She was estimated to be between 20 and 40 years old, was approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighed 100 pounds. She had black hair with a reddish tone styled in short tight curls. She was found wearing a gray long-sleeved Ralph Lauren with a Polo Jeans Company logo on the left sleeve, a pair of black "Results" brand denim jeans, and a pair of Timberland boots. Items of note found on the scene were a Stuart Hall brand notebook with "Work Book" written on the front, miscellaneous papers including one with the words "From your wife" as well as other words, various bottle of liquors and alcohol, wrappings from food items, and a yellow-metal earring with a bluestone, which may not have been related.[48]
On June 4, 2011, the skeletal remains of a young to middle aged white woman were found in a wooded area in Sellers Park in Wilmington, Delaware.[49] She was estimated to be between 25 and 50 years old. She also had long, thick, dark brown hair that was styled in a single braid. She also had gold dental restorations on various teeth. Height, weight, and eye color could not be determined. A pair of men's blue shorts were found near the remains, however they may not be associated with the woman.
Othram Inc. was contacted in May 2021 to help identify the woman.[50]
A white male between fifteen and twenty-two years old was found in a train car on June 10, 1978 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Georgia. He died twenty-four to forty-eight hours prior to his discovery. He was between 120 and 130 pounds (54 and 59 kilograms), but his height has not been disclosed. His hair was brownish-black and had possibly been dyed a reddish color. His nails were fairly long and he also had numerous scars on his chest, back and legs. The young man had cuts on his upper lip from a prior injury and also had eyelashes that had curled. The victim wore a black shirt, a blue belt with a buckle reading "Jeans", bikini underwear and leather gray shoes. The decedent also had an extra rib on his left side.[51]
A young woman was found on a roadside after suffering severe injuries on May 24, 1985 in Newton, Baker County, Georgia. She died at a hospital on June 1 while in a coma. Her death was ruled to be an accident, as she likely fell from a vehicle, although she may have been thrown from one. There was no evidence of foul play at the scene.[52] She was between fifteen and thirty-five years old, had blue eyes, brownish-blond hair with blond highlights. She was tanned and also had stretch marks on her buttocks and stomach. The victim was between five feet one to five feet four inches (155–163cm) tall and weighed between 110 and 120 pounds (50 and 54 kilograms), with a slim build and a light complexion.[53][54] She wore a gray shirt, jeans with the name Allison Milles (which has not been verified to have been her name), white shoes and socks and a bandana with the colors of the American flag. A white pillow was also with the victim. She was exhumed in 2012 for DNA information.[55]
A girl, also known as Christmas Doe, of African heritage was approximately three years old when her remains were discovered on December 21, 1988, in Waycross, Ware County, Georgia. The body had been wrapped in a blanket, placed in a suitcase that was filled with cement and hidden inside a television console. She had died approximately one to two months previously and was badly decomposed, which resulted in an unsuccessful autopsy. She wore bows in her hair and a knitted shirt decorated with a horse. Authorities believe she was not native to Georgia.[56][57][58][59][60]
On July 20, 1995, a young white man was struck by a vehicle in Atlanta, Georgia. He was taken to the Grady Hospital wherein he spent almost one year before passing away on June 24, 1996. The cause of death was determined to be due to complications of blunt-force trauma to the head.[61] He was around the ages of 20 to 30, he weighed 85 lbs when hospitalized, he was 6'2" tall, he had black hair and light brown eyes. He also had tattoos on his body: A serpent or dragon on the chest and stomach respectively, the word "Virgo" in blue on the left shoulder, a red and blue flaming Star or planet inbetween the thumb and index finger and a globe surrounded by letters on the left forearm. The tattoos were described to be "somewhat recent".[62] Based on a slip of paper with the name on it, he was tentively identified as "Steven Shelton", however, an official identification has never been made.[63]
The skeleton of a boy was discovered on February 26, 1999 in Decatur, DeKalb County, Georgia, behind a cemetery at a nearby church.[64] The child was of African heritage, between the ages of five and seven and was about three feet ten to four feet two inches (117–127cm) tall at a weight between 45 and 60 pounds (20 and 27 kilograms).[65] The boy was clothed in a blue sweatshirt with a plaid design, red jeans and brown boots. The sweatshirt was noted to be significantly larger than the child's estimated size. The boots had been sold in the area in 1998. Testing on the bones indicated the boy was either from the surrounding area, or possibly that he had lived in the Atlanta area or in northern Florida.[66][67][68] The cause of death is not known, and no suspects have been noted in the case; if foul play was involved, he appeared to be healthy when he died.[69] It was previously speculated that the body belonged to D'Wan Sims, a child missing since 1994 from Michigan, before DNA testing in 2003 confirmed that Sims was not the John Doe.[70] The case has also been featured on America's Most Wanted.[71]
Gwinnett County John Doe
On June 20, 2003, the skeletal remains of a middle aged white man were found in a storm drain catch basin on US Route 29 in Lawrenceville, Georgia. He was suspected to be between 45 and 55 years old, and approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall. Weight, hair color, and eye color could not be determined, however he was described as having a slim build. He was found wearing a white or beige 'Christopher Hawes' brand button-up shirt with a blue plaid pattern and a pair of athletic socks. A crack pipe and a blue disc of unknown significance were also found.[72]
The DNA Doe Project was asked to assist with the man's identification in late-July 2021.[73]
Hawaii
"Ed"
FBI Reconstruction of "Ed"
On September 7, 1981, the skeletal remains of a young white or Hispanic man were found on a hiking trail going towards an area in Wailuku, Hawaii known as "The Cross". He was estimated to be between 18 and 40 years old, was approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighed between 160 and 170 pounds. He had brown, shoulder-hair and possibly a goatee. Eye color was unable to be determined. No clothing was recorded to be found with the decedent.
Witnesses claimed that they had met the man previously and said that he went by the name "Ed", and that he was described as a "rapid talker".[74]
Waialua Jane Doe
On October 23, 1998, the skeletal remains of a young Asian female were discovered in a shallow grave, on the Farrington Highway, near a hiking trail, in Waialua, Hawaii. She was estimated to be between 30 and 40 years old. Almost all other information is unknown, although she appeared to have evidence of arthritis and appeared to have a pointed chin. She was found wearing a T-shirt and a cell phone was found near the body. Post mortem interval has never been conclusively determined, but the woman was found with a gold filling in one of her teeth, indicating a more recent death. It is unknown if the cell phone was related to the crime. Cause of death, despite the suspicious circumstances, has never been conclusively determined, due to a lack of evidence. There was no trauma to any bones, and the woman did not match the profile of any missing persons in the area.[75]
On May 4, 2004, an elderly homeless woman was found living in Ala Moana Park in Honolulu, Hawaii, in need of medical attention. She was admitted to a state hospital until her death of natural causes on April 27, 2013. She was estimated to be between 55 and 65 years old at the time of discovery, was approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, and weighed 112 pounds. Her hair was a mixture of gray, white and brown, and she had hazel eyes. She showed evidence of being a smoker. She also suffered from schizophrenia. She was described as having an English-Canadian accent, and had a very proper demeanor. She was an avid reader, and referred to herself as "Ah" (pronounced /ə/). Investigators believe she had been in Hawaii for six to eight years before being found.[76]
On December 4, 1982, a middle aged white man was discovered under a pew at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Boise, Idaho, after he committed suicide by cyanide ingestion. The man was between 35 and 45 years old, was 6 feet tall, and weighed 175 pounds. He had sandy, possibly sun-bleached, styled hair and gray eyes with hints of brown. He appeared to have a tan complexion and was well groomed. He was found wearing a green, long-sleeve 'casual' shirt, blue jeans, a belt with a white-metal buckle, cowboy boots, a Seiko wristwatch, and a western style bolo with a turquoise stone and "P White" stamped on the back. He also had US$1,900 in his pocket as well as a suicide note. The note stated that the money was for funeral services and cremation, with the remainder of the money to be donated to the church. The note was signed "Wm. L. Toomey".
A public funeral was held for the man, with over 200 people in attendance. He was buried at taxpayer's expense and buried in the Syringa Gardens Cemetery in Boise. It was later discovered that the alias the man had used was used by a company that manufactured clothing for priests and nuns.
Investigators believe that he may be from the southwestern United States based on his complexion. There is also speculation that he may be involved with the murders of two priests from Odessa, Texas and Yuma, Arizona, despite no evidence supporting the theory. His case was featured on Unsolved Mysteries in 1990.[77]
On June 12, 2002, the body of a middle aged/elderly white man was discovered on a hiking trail in Jacobs Gulch, Idaho. He appeared to have a self inflicted 9 millimetre gunshot wound on the right side of his head. He was estimated to be between 57 and 67 years old, was 5 feet 10 inches tall, and weighed 180 pounds. He had grey hair with red highlights and brown eyes. He also had upper and lower dentures. He was found wearing a grey, blue and black long sleeved, button-up shirt, a pair of black Wrangler jeans, a black leather weave belt with an etched silver belt buckle with a turquoise stone, black Velcro closure shoes, white underwear, white socks, and a gold Seiko wristwatch. A pair of expensive, prescription eyeglasses for astigmatism were also found. The glasses were only sold in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Also found near the remains were a black, nylon shoulder holster with an empty double magazine pouch, a black jacket, a black duffel bag with a heavy brown leather jacket with a Navajo print inside, a black, fold up knife, a full 9mm magazine in a ziplock bag, a partial pack of cigarettes, a pair of scissors, and US$7.00.
The man appeared to be well dressed and not homeless. No missing persons reports matched the man. The gun was also traced to a man who had sold the gun in Houston, Texas, who did not have a record on file of the transaction.[78]
Bonneville County John Doe
On September 16, 2002, the partial skull of a young to middle aged male of indeterminate race was found on the shoreline of Palisades Reservoir in Bonneville County, Idaho, by a man walking his dog. Subsequent searches uncovered more remains, which were linked by DNA to the same man.[79] He was estimated to be between 25 and 45 years old, and may have been deceased for anywhere between 15 to 20 years. No other physical characteristics were able to be determined. Investigators suspect that he may have been a drowning victim. While investigating drowning cases in the area, officials found a case of a boat capsizing in the reservoir, killing the four occupants. Despite the lead, no definitive identification has been made.
Othram Inc. was contacted in April 2021 to help identify the man.[80]
On October 11, 1945, a young, mentally handicapped, teenage, African American boy was found in Jacksonville, Illinois by authorities. He was unable to communicate, and was deaf and mute. He was taken to an institution and remained until he died of a stroke on November 28, 1993. He had developed blindness later in life, and was subject to various forms of beatings, hunger, and other forms of dehumanization that was typical of asylums of the time period. The man seemed to still have a positive outlook, and managed to make friends, take on responsibilities, and have a sense of humor. People who knew him described him as "remarkable". He also had a straw hat he liked to wear, as well as a backpack that he liked to collect rings, glasses, and silverware, which he carried everywhere. He was noted to scrawl the name "Lewis" sometimes.[81]
Will County John Doe (1974)
FBI Reconstruction of Will County John Doe (1974)
On November 9, 1974, the skeletal remains of a young to middle aged white man were found in a creek bed in a partially forested area near a motel in the vicinity of Interstate 55 and Interstate 80 in Channahon, Illinois. He had been deceased for between a few months to two years. He was estimated to be between 35 and 55 years old and was between 5 feet 9 and 5 feet 11 inches tall. Weight, hair color, and eye color could not be ascertained. His teeth were in moderate condition, however it appeared that he had had extensive dental work done recently before his death. He was found wearing a pair of jeans, a black sweater, and a pair of brown 'Builtrite' brand work boots.[82]
Othram Inc. was contacted to help identify the man in July 2021.[83]
Will County Jane Doe (1981)
FBI sculpture of the 1981 Will County Jane Doe
The remains of a white woman were found on April 19, 1981, in New Lenox, Will County, Illinois, along interstate 80. The female was between twenty-three and thirty-five years old and was presumed to have died about a year before she was found. Because she was badly decomposed, it was not possible to estimate her eye or hair color, along with her weight. It was possible to determine her height, which was likely around fivefeet fiveinches (165cm). No clothing or other items were located at the scene. The woman had suffered a fracture to her nose at some point during life, as evidence of such an injury was found when examining the skull. Her DNA has since been processed and nearly 250 people have been excluded from the case.[84]
Bloomington Jane Doe (1982)
Bloomington Jane Doe
A woman's body was found hanging on a telephone pole on February 2, 1982, in Bloomington, Illinois. She was between twenty-five and forty years old. Her hair was black, but was beginning to turn gray. She was fivefeet oneinch (155cm) tall and weighed around 140 pounds (64kg) and was believed to be a smoker, as the autopsy suggested. She was seen alive before her death by people who stated she was not "mentally stable."[85]
Currently in Chicago, Illinois, five living John and Jane Does lived as wards of the state of Illinois due to mental or physical health concerns, until one died in 2015. They all live in various retirement homes in the Chicago area, and are unaware of or are unwilling to share their legal names. The first Doe, by the name of "Seven", suffered from severe amnesia and dementia, and had been a ward of the state since 1976. She was also the only female of these does. She claimed to be 71 years old in 2012 and died of natural causes in 2015. She claimed to have memories of visiting the Indiana Dunes as a child and described herself as a "lifelong [Chicago] Cubs fan", but claimed to know little else about herself. Her fingerprints were unable to be read.
"Witek Dziedziecki" is a white middle aged male, and has been in state care since 2006. He was found at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and complained of chest pains. He was found to be well dressed, and did not appear to be homeless, leading investigators to believe he was dropped off by potential family members or caretakers. He is believed to be Polish or Romanian.
The third doe is "Shannon Night", an African American man believed to be between 35 and 40 years old. He has been a ward of the state since 2007. He had suffered a stroke as well as organic brain damage. He appears to be lucid despite this, but still cannot remember details about his past, however he believes that he has a wife and son. He normally tries to write down notes in an effort to remember his past. Investigators found that he had an extensive arrest record in Cook County, where he had given officers various aliases and names.[86]
"Robert Rockefeller" is a white elderly man believed to be between 60 and 65 years old. He was originally found in July, 2011, lying near the curb of a road with a shopping cart full of expired food, possibly fainted from heatstroke. He was taken on as a ward of the state after his treatment. He is described as having an "altered mental status" and being "disoriented to person, time and place". He too has an extensive arrest record with various recorded aliases and names.[87]
The last doe is simply known as "John Doe" and is an African American man believed to be in his 50's. He has been a ward of the state since 2004, and suffers from schizoaffective disorder. He has been moved between nursing homes multiple times due to behavioral issues. The only information that investigators know about the doe is that he had come from a mental health facility before coming to a nursing home.[88][89]
"Hanging Man"
FBI Reconstruction of "Hanging Man"
On October 9, 2008, the mummified body of a middle aged/elderly white man was found hanging from a tree in the Thorn Creek Nature Preserve in Park Forest, Illinois. He was between 50 and 60 years old, was 6 feet 3 inches tall, and weighed 150 pounds. He had sandy brown/grey hair, and was balding. He was also well muscled, and appeared to have scoliosis, as well as various fractures to bones. He was also a smoker. His dental work was consistent with Eastern European dentistry. He was found wearing a pair of khaki pants, a blue and white striped, short sleeve, button down shirt, and a pair of brown loafers. He was also found with a Zippo lighter with a Polish flag and the word "Poland" written on it, and the tattered remains of a small, black and green backpack.
Local missing persons reports did not match up with the man's description. DNA was able to be extracted, but proved difficult. Fingerprints were also entered into national databases with no matches.[90]
St. Clair County John Doe
FBI Reconstruction of St. Clair County John Doe
On December 3, 2012, the skeletal remains of a young to middle aged white man were found in an area of wooded brush by a hunter, several yards from the nearest road in Sauget, Illinois. He had been deceased for a number of months. He was estimated to be between 20 and 50 years old, and was 5 feet 9 inches tall. Weight, hair color, and eye color could not be ascertained. He was found wearing a pair of blue sweatpants, a single sock, and the remains of an Adidas shoe. Russian rubles were also found near the decedent. He appeared to have sustained some sort of blunt force trauma while alive, which resulted in a skull fracture. He may have also had a broken nose.[91]
DuPage County Jane Doe
On August 15, 2016, the body of a newborn Hispanic female infant was found in Milton Township, DuPage County, Illinois. Cause of death is uncertain, and it appeared she had died anywhere between a few minutes to a few hours prior to being discovered. She was 1 foot 8 inches tall and weighed 7 pounds. She had short black hair and brown eyes. Toxicology tests found that the child had traces of medications for epilepsy and mood disorder medication, most likely taken by the mother during pregnancy. The dosage of the medications was not fatal. She was found with a black backpack, a brown bath mat, a brown toilet seat cover and a black towel. Pollen testing indicated that she may have originated from Northern Illinois. She was nicknamed "Baby Hope" by authorities.[92]
On March 27, 1989, the skeletal remains of an African American/Hispanic male were found in a wooded area near US Route 20 in Burns Harbor, Indiana. He was estimated to be between 17 and 25 years old. He was found by a potential buyer of the private land that his remains lied on, and appeared to have been killed by some force of severe trauma. He was noted to have a broken collar bone as well as broken leg bones, leading investigators to believe he was struck by a vehicle such as a car or a train. He was between 5 feet 5 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall, and weighed between 180 and 200 pounds. He was noted to have nearly perfect teeth. He was found wearing a pair of green/aqua shorts, a pair of Fila sneakers, and a red baseball cap with an attached Detroit Red Wings insignia. He was also found with a glass bottle with an unknown white residue inside.[93]
On May 15, 1992, the decomposing/putrefying body of a white female was found in the basement of a vacant house in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Her body was wrapped in a furniture cover and submerged in 6 to 8 inches of water. Investigators estimate that the body could have lay there for anywhere up to a year. She as estimated to be between 20 and 25 years old. She stood at a short stature, between 4 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 2 inches tall. It was inferred that she had blonde hair, and possible back issues. Weight and eye color could not be determined. She was found wearing a "Windcrest" brand grey/light blue jacket, a knit shirt with a white/dark stripe pattern, black sweatpants, a single pink Reebok shoe, and two gold necklaces, one with 3 star charms. She was also found to be pregnant, entering her 3rd trimester. Despite the circumstances the body was found in, investigators could not find any evidence to suggest foul play, leaving her cause of death listed as inconclusive.[94]
On October 12, 1999, the skull and multiple ribs of a woman of indeterminate race were found in a forested ravine, just outside of Kansas City, Kansas. More remains were then found on November 1, in the same ravine. Investigators have estimated that the woman had lain in the canyon for anywhere up to nine years, and could not find a conclusive cause of death. She was estimated to be between 26 and 40 years old, and was between 5 feet 5 inches and 5 feet 8 inches tall. Weight, eye color, hair color, and race could not be determined. The only article of clothing found with the remains was a single shoe. Investigators found evidence that she had been part of some sort of accident or traumatic event in life, such as an automobile accident. She had a previously fractured jaw, with the wiring still present in the jaw, although it should have been removed long before. She also showed signs of some sort of blunt trauma, as she had healed injuries to her temple and forehead. Evidence of arthritis and spondyloloysis was also present in her back.[95]
On April 17, 1976, the decomposed remains of a white female were found lying near a road in Grant County, right outside of Crittenden, Kentucky. The remains were determined to have belonged to a girl between the ages of 13 and 15 years old, who had been dead for at least a few days. She was 5 feet 2 inches tall with light brown hair. Eye color and weight could not be determined. The only clothing found with her, was a pair of shorts fastened together with a safety pin.[96]
Warren County Jane Doe
Reconstruction of Warren County Jane Doe by Carl Koppelman
On July 4, 1984 the remains of an adolescent girl were found in Warren County, Kentucky along the side of interstate 65. She is believed to have been deceased for between several months and two years before her body was found.
The girl is believed to have been between 12 and 16 years old.[97] She brown hair, a healed injury to the back of her skull and she may have had a scar on her right elbow. She also had dental work which had been completed within 4 to 5 years of her death and enamel hypoplasia of her two lower front teeth.[98]
On December 5, 1981, the body of a white woman was found on the side of Interstate 10 in St. Martinville, Louisiana, hours after she had been struck by a vehicle. She was 5 feet to 5 feet 4 inches tall, and weighed 130 to 140 pounds. She also had short wavy brown hair, as well as brown eyes. She was found wearing a long sleeve 'Coronet Casual' brand cowl neck sweater, a pair of Wrangler jeans, white knee socks, and a pair of red and grey 'Pro Wings' jogging shoes. A bag from 'Howard's Supermarket' in Port Arthur, Texas containing additional clothing was also found on her person.
The woman had been seen earlier in the day at a truck stop, trying to hitchhike. Reports came that she possibly spoke French, but investigators believe that she was most likely from somewhere such as Quebec, rather than somewhere in Louisiana rich with Cajun culture. Toxicology tests also determined that the woman was at a 0.3 Blood-alcohol level, inferring that her death was most likely an accident.
In 2006, her body was exhumed to extract DNA information.[99]
The skeleton of an Asian man was extracted from the Mississippi River in 1991. The man was between 35 and 45 years old and was between 5 feet 5 inches and 5 feet 7 inches tall. Weight, hair color, and eye color could not be determined due to the state of the remains. A noose was discovered around the neck of the remains, strongly suggesting a suicide, however investigators still have not conclusively determined it as the cause of death.
It had been strongly suggested by investigators that the man was a missing North Korean seaman aboard a vessel in the river during the time. However, when a clay reconstruction was made of the remains, they were found to be too different than the photo of the missing seaman to conclusively identify him as the remains.[100]
On June 16, 1997, the burned body of an unidentified African-American woman was found in a warehouse in New Orleans, Louisiana, which had caught fire the previous day. The cause of death for the woman was determined to be smoke inhalation. The woman was estimated to be between 30 and 45 years old, and was between 5 feet 1 inch and 5 feet 5 inches tall, with black hair. Weight and eye color could not be determined, but it was determined that the woman had a more petite build. Any clothing the woman had on had been incinerated, however a metal ring with 2 stones, one white and one Amethyst, were found on the body.[101]
On July 24, 2000, the decomposing body of a middle aged white man was found 27 nautical miles off of Jonesport, Maine. The man was estimated to have been dead for approximately two months and cause of death could not be determined. He was estimated to be between 60 and 65 years old. He was between 5 feet 9 inches and 6 feet 2 inches tall ad weighed between 170 and 200 pounds. His hair was graying, however eye color could not be determined, but it has been inferred that he had hazel eyes through genetic phenotyping. He was found wearing a blue knit collared shirt, a 'Weargaurd' pullover, a white V-neck T-shirt, and two pairs of tube socks. He was also found with a removable nesbit denture, which was described as unusual. He was also found to have had various apparent health issues, possibly from having been a pipe smoker. He was also possibly of Jewish descent.[102] His case was taken on by the DNA Doe Project in December, 2019.[103]
On May 22, 2015, the body of an Asian woman was found on the rocks, off the shore of the Atlantic Ocean in Portland, Maine. She had only been deceased for a short amount of time. She was estimated to be between 30 and 50 years old. Investigators believe she had committed suicide by drowning herself in the ocean. She seemed to be somewhat affluent, as she was found wearing what was described as nice clothes and expensive jewelry, as well as tattooed eyebrows. Her case was taken on by the DNA Doe Project in May, 2019.[104]
A young man was found on December 6, 1973, in Upper Marlboro, Prince George's County, Maryland. He was believed to have been between fifteen and twenty years old. The cause of his death could not be determined. He was five feet tall (152cm) and weighed 105 pounds (48kg), which is short for a male his age. He had died within hours of his body being discovered in a wooded area, near a highway. The decedent may have been in a hospital for undisclosed reasons. He had brown hair and brown eyes as well as a thin mustache. He was found wearing a green sweatshirt, gray and white pants, white underwear, socks, boots and a brown belt. On his pants, the word "shalom" was written with poor penmanship, along with other words.[105]
Baltimore City Jane Doe (1987)
Reconstruction of Baltimore Jane Doe by Carl Koppelman
A woman was found in an alley on June 16, 1987, in Baltimore, Maryland. She was seen previously being dropped off at a nearby residence. She was still alive when she was found, but died the next day at a hospital. The woman was between the ages of twenty-four and thirty and had a distinct tattoo of the name Curtis Lee accompanied by a turtle. She was five feet six inches tall (168cm) and weighed 138 pounds (63kg) with green eyes, freckles and short red hair.[106] A scar from a needle was found on her neck and she also had another scar on her lower abdomen. The woman wore a ring, underwear and jeans with a belt. Also in her possession were a business card, an opened pack of cigarettes and a key on a key ring. Despite the suspicious circumstances, her cause of death has not been published.[107]
On November 28, 1992, the skeleton of a teenage white male was discovered in a wooded area near Interstate 95 in Newburyport, Massachusetts. He was estimated to be between 11 and 17 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 due to the age of the remains, as investigators believed that he had been dead for anywhere between 1987 and 1991. No cause of death was found, and no markings or injuries were found on the skeleton. He was found wearing a pair of Levi's brand jeans, Reebok sneakers, and a T-shirt. He was found to have an impacted molar that had grown sideways out through the jaw, and there was no evidence that the doe had had any dental treatment during his life. State police had stated that he was a runaway, however he did not match the description of any local teenagers reported missing in the area. Furthermore, since he was so close to Route 95, investigators believe that he could possibly be from anywhere between Florida and Canada.[108]
On February 15, 1997, the decomposed remains of a young Asian American female were found floating in the Monatiquot River in Braintree, Massachusetts. The remains were found by a man who was canoeing in the river, who stated that he had canoed in the river for all but four days in the past month and a half, and had not seen anything unusual before. Cause of death was believed to have been accidental drowning. She was found wearing black stretch pants with the name 'Maria Marin' written on the tag, a rust-colored ski jacket, a gray striped shirt, and white sneakers. The location the body was found in was only a few hundred yards from the Braintree police station. Due to the close proximity to Boston, her body was autopsied there. Fingerprints were taken, but did not match any fingerprints on file with any agency contacted at the time. It was also noted that she had an extra tooth on the right side of her mouth.[109]
The Norfolk County Jane Doe may have been biracial.
The skeletonized skull and torso of a female of Sub-Saharan African heritage, possibly biracial, were discovered on August 8, 2004 in Plainville, Norfolk County, Massachusetts. The cause of her death was not apparent, but the decedent was wrapped in a blanket and buried in a shallow grave near a truck stop. She had been at that location anywhere from three to ten years prior.[110] She stood between four feet nine and five feet three inches tall (145–160cm) and was between twenty-five and thirty-five years old.[111][112][113]
After attending a party, a female teenager or young adult was found unresponsive in Highland Park, Wayne County, Michigan, on March 25, 1976. She had told others that her name was "Bill" and was a runaway from a group home in a different state, such as Ohio. Those she was with on the night of her death had known Bill for only a short time. She was approximately seventeen to twenty years old (although she may have been in a wider age range of fifteen to twenty-five) when she died and weighed 150 pounds (68kg) at a height of fivefeet eightinches (173cm). She had no detectable dental work on her teeth and wore a pair of pants with a pattern of black and white squares, maroon socks, a black or dark gray shirt and a black bra.[114] When Bill was found unresponsive, she was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead.[115] She had blueish-green eyes and shoulder-length brown hair.[116] Her body was exhumed in November 2014 to obtain DNA information.[117]
On October 24, 1987, the decomposed remains of a young white man were found a fifth of a mile south of Lake Superior near the Blue Hiking Trail in McMillan Township, Michigan. He was estimated to be between 20 and 35 years old and was between 5 feet 8 inches and 6 feet tall. He had short, reddish brown hair and a short mustache. Weight and eye color could not be determined. He also had a possible scar or discoloration on his left cheek as well as a depression or deformity, possibly due to a previous accident. His left femur also had a broken fracture, that had been treated with a metal rod insertion. He also appeared to have mild scoliosis, and possibly walked with a limp. He was found wearing various military-styled clothing items, including a camo jacket, pants, green camo T-shirt, green belt, green wool socks, and black combat-style boots. A survival knife was also found, stamped "U.S. Ontario", which appeared to not be military issued, possibly from a catalog.[118]
The DNA Doe Project was asked to assist with the man's identification in July 2021.[119]
On December 24, 1987, the skeletal remains of a Hispanic teenage boy or young man were found in a wooded area in Keeler Township, Michigan. He was estimated to be between 15 and 22 years old and was 5 feet 9 inches tall. He was found wearing a white nylon ski jacket with a blue stripe and removable sleeves, a pair of jeans, a gray, plaid, long-sleeved shirt, a Busch Gardens T-shirt with two Clydesdale horses depicted on the back, and a pair of ankle boots with zippers. He had been deceased for a number of months.
The DNA Doe Project was asked to assist with the man's identification on December 14, 2019. An approximation of the man's likeness was made in 2020.[120]
Lake Michigan Jane Doe
On October 24, 1997, the decomposing remains of a woman of unknown ethnicity was found against the break wall in Manistee, Michigan. She had been deceased for a number of weeks. She was estimated to be between 20 and 60 years old, was 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighed approximately 200 pounds. She had dark brown hair, and both of her ears had been pierced. She also had an appendectomy scar and an orthodontic bracket for her upper central front teeth. She was wearing one clear stone earring.
The DNA Doe Project was asked to assist with her identification on November 20, 2020.[121]
On November 19, 1997, the decomposing remains of a Hispanic-American male were found in a cornfield in Blissfield Township, Michigan. He was estimated to be between 20 and 40 years old, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, and weighed approximately 150 pounds. Cause of death could not be determined, however both hands and his head were missing, possibly indicating foul play. His remains had been at the location for between 2 and 3 months. Various witnesses had provided information that may help with the man's identification. Sources stated that his name was "Roberto", and he was married with children. He also had a house somewhere between McAllen and Weslaco, Texas, where he apparently raised chickens. He was believed to have stated that he was only travelling to Chicago, after which he would return to Texas. Witnesses were also able to give a detailed description of what the man looked like, despite the body being found without a head. The DNA Doe Project was asked to assist with identification in December, 2019.[122]
On September 12, 1999, the skeletal remains of a middle aged white female were found on the north border of Pontiac, Michigan, in a field off of a seldom used road. She had been deceased for between four and nine months. She was estimated to be between 35 and 55 years old, was approximately 5 feet 2 inches tall, and weighed between 130 and 175 pounds. She had long red hair. She had a full upper denture plate with no form of identification or serial number on it. She was found wearing a long sleeve pullover sweatshirt, a pair of faded blue jeans, a pair of Nike sneakers, an angel pendant, and a cloth bracelet with an acronym for "What Would Jesus Do?". Investigators could not determine cause of death, and have stated that it may be impossible to determine based upon the skeletal condition of her remains. They also stated that there was no signs of blood on her clothing, however the area she was found in sees little foot traffic.[123]
On October 29, 2010, the decomposed remains of a young Asian American man were found on a private Lake Michigan beach in Covert Township, Michigan after he had washed ashore. He was estimated to be between 25 and 40 years old, was 5 feet 6 inches tall, and weighed 173 pounds. He had black hair, and extensive dental work. He was found wearing a blue-gray Nike swimsuit and a vertical striped tank-top shirt. Cause of death was determined to be drowning, and he had died months before. Due to the water temperature and weather conditions of the lake, investigators believe that he could have come from anywhere between Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan.
On July 31, 2014, the maxilla of a man was found washed ashore onto the beach in Ganges Township, Michigan, just south of West Side County Park. The bone belonged to an adult male, however no physical characteristics, including race, could be determined. The bone was well-deteriorated, and had been exposed to the elements and water for a considerable amount of time, however no exact postmortem interval could be determined. Investigators believe the man had most likely drowned, and the bone had been severed naturally through decomposition. DNA was taken from the bone and uploaded to the FBI's CODIS database, with no match.
The DNA Doe Project was asked to assist with the man's identification on December 14, 2019.[125]
Minnesota
Lilydale Jane Doe
On June 11, 1976, the decomposed body of a young woman of indeterminate race was found floating in the Mississippi River near Lilydale, Minnesota. She was estimated to be between 25 and 30 years old, was approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighed about 150 pounds. Hair color and eye color could not be ascertained. She was found wearing a pair of blue shorts, and a pair of non-descript shoes and socks. She is believed to have been deceased for weeks, however authorities could not determine how long she had been in the water.[126]
The DNA Doe Project was contacted to help assist with her identification in June 2021.[127]
Ramsey County Jane Doe
2021 Reconstruction of Ramsey County Jane Doe by Carl Koppelman
On July 20, 1977, the decomposing remains of a young, possibly teenage, white female was found in the Mississippi River in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She was estimated to be between 16 and 30 years old, was approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighed 130 pounds. She had medium-length brown hair, and may have had brown or hazel eyes. She also appeared to have stretch marks on her abdomen. She was found wearing a green, red, blue vertically striped shirt with thinner lateral stripes, a pair of high-waisted blue jeans, brown knee-high stockings, and a pair of non-descript underwear and shoes. She is believed to have died earlier in the year.[128]
The body of a man was found on February 7, 1985, in St. Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota. The man was fivefeet nineinches (175cm) tall, 180 pounds (82kg) and between twenty and forty years old when he died. His body was found in an abandoned building and clothed in multiple layers, indicating he was homeless. He had died weeks before, but was preserved due to the cold weather. He had brown hair as well as a beard and mustache. His eyes had decomposed to the point where their color could not be determined. His clothing included boots, a green shirt, brown gloves, a red scarf, an orange hat, a jacket with a camouflage design, a white jacket, a sweater and jeans. A duffel bag found with the corpse also had various items.[130]
In Goodhue County, Minnesota, three infants have been found in various locations in the county; two of them related, while the third was not. Investigators are treating the three cases as being connected, and believe that the mothers of the three infants most likely knew each other and were familiar with the area. Cause of death is not available for any of the does, but it is believed that the mothers had abandoned the infants in order to hide their pregnancies. Due to the proximity of each doe to a body of water (the third doe was found submerged in a marina), it is possible that the parents had tried to dispose of the infants in the water. Investigators have followed over 100 leads on the infants over the years.
The first doe, nicknamed "Jamie", was found on November 4, 1999 close to the Mississippi River in Red Wing, Minnesota. She was full term, with the umbilical cord still attached. and was believed to have been born about 2 weeks prior to discovery. She was 1 foot 8 inches tall and weighed 6 pounds. She had brown straight hair and dark eyes. The body was also found wrapped in a towel. The infant was found to share the same mother as the infant found in 2003.[131]
The second doe was found on December 7, 2003 on the edge of Lake Pepin, in Old Frontenac, Minnesota. Investigators believe that the child was born between 2 days and 2 weeks before discovery. He was male, 1 foot 2 inches tall, and weighed 7 pounds. He had curly, black hair and dark irises. Investigators have found that he was maternally related to "Jamie".[132]
The third doe, nicknamed "Abby", was found in the Treasure Island Marina in Welch, Minnesota. She was believed to have been dead for anywhere up to 6 months, as the body was found in an advanced state of decomposition. She was 1 foot 8 inches tall, and weighed 6 pounds. Her hair was black, but eye color could not be ascertained due to decomposition. DNA testing on the infant found that she was not related to the other two does, but authorities still believe that the mother knew the mother of the other two does, due to the similar circumstances in which they were found.[133]
On February 29, 2000, the decomposing remains of a middle aged black man were found in the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He appeared to have drowned in the river and had no signs of injuries on his body. He was between 40 and 50 years old, was 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighed 201 pounds. He had black hair and brown eyes, and a mustache. He was found wearing a pair of blue insulated underwear bottoms, gray socks with red tops, a black fanny pack and a pair of black shoes. A piece of paper with a telephone number was found in the fanny pack, however the lead proved fruitless. Local media released a sketch of the man and compared him to local missing persons reports, with no results. Fingerprints were also taken, but a full set could not be obtained due to decomposition.[134]
Spring Grove John Doe
On December 16, 2005, a masonry restoration contractor discovered the skeletal remains of a young white man in the ash collection pit of an old fireplace at a private residence in Spring Grove, Minnesota. The man to whom the skull belonged was estimated to be between 20 and 35 years old. Any other physical characteristics were impossible to determine.[135] The house was purchased by the owners in 1967, and the fireplace had been concealed by a Styrofoam wall in a closet. The skull was not able to be linked to any cold cases or missing persons reports in the area during the time the man had most likely died.
Othram Inc. was contacted to assist with the man's identification on September 2, 2020.[136]
Dakota County John Doe
FBI Reconstruction of Dakota County John Doe
On September 29, 2014, the skeletal remains of a young to middle aged white man were found in an abandoned rail switching shed in Rosemount, Minnesota. He appeared to have been living in the shed, and may have visited a nearby Kwik Trip gas station. He was estimated to be between 30 and 50 years old and was 5 feet 6 inches tall. He had long, wavy brown and gray hair, and his left ear had been pierced. Weight and eye color could not be ascertained. He was found wearing an Open-Road style "Wilson" brand motorcycle jacket, a collared "Chaps" brand shirt with blue and white stripes, a Fruit of the Loom shirt, a pair of gray Wrangler boot-cut jeans, a black leather belt with a white metal buckle, "Indera" brand long thermal underwear, a pair of boxers, two pairs of socks, blue "Thinsulate" brand gloves and a white-metal hoop earring. Other items found included a knife with a sheath with an engraving of a confederate flag and an eagle above two swords, Intitals were carved in the knife, reading "MES" "NWC" "PSM" "DHT" "LLC" "JLB" "RMK" "LLW" "DCS." A pair of Boardroom Classics brand eyeglasses were also found.
Mississippi
Hurricane Camille Jane Does
On August 17, 1969, a Category 5 hurricane ravaged the southeast United States, making landfall in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Hurricane Camille caused tremendous damage along the Mississippi coast, including Pass Christian, where three unidentified women were found three days later. All three women are buried in marked graves in Evergreen Cemetery in Gulfport, Mississippi. A memorial service is held each year for the women on the anniversary of the hurricane's landfall.
The Does soon gained the nicknames "Hope", "Charity", and "Faith". All of the women were found in a destroyed apartment complex, and investigators believe that they most likely knew each other and were friends. They were also all Caucasian and various details had not been recorded by law enforcement when they were found, such as hair color and eye color. "Hope" was estimated to be between 30 and 35 years old. She weighed 135 pounds, however her height was not recorded or was unable to be recorded. She was found wearing a white blouse, green slacks, and black rubber boots.[137]
"Faith" was estimated to be between 60 and 65 years old. She was 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighed 135 pounds. The only item of clothing she was found wearing was a Paisley pull over dress.[138]
"Charity" was estimated to be between 40 and 50 years old. She was 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighed 110 pounds. Her clothing was not recorded, however she was found wearing four rings and a pair of earrings.[139]
On June 16, 1979, the body of a white male was found in a beach in Gulfport, Mississippi. The cause of death was determined to be drowning, foul play not being suspected. The man was 5'10 inches tall, he was estimated to weigh around 130 to 150 pounds, he had a light complexion, long red or auburn hair and he had a full set of teeth with no traces of dental work. He was found wearing a size 20 Eldorado short sleeve shirt, a white size 14 Fruit of the Loom undershirt, red and white pants that were a size 33 or 29, white Fruit of the Loom underpants that were a size 32 to 34, a black leather belt and size 6 shoes with light brown rubber soles. He carried an empty wallet and a Timex watch with an alligator type band.[140]
The woman was found May 8, 1998 in Bay St. Louis, Hancock County, Mississippi, at the side of a road. She suffered massive injuries after being struck by a car. Initially, the persons in the vehicle believed she was an animal, as it was late at night. The victim – between 37 and 42 years old – was likely a transient: her skin was tanned; she had unshaven legs and underarms; her nails were dirty, short and uneven; and her legs had a number of insect bites. The Jane Doe had no teeth; no dentures were found. Her hair was a reddish-brown, naturally brown, and had been dyed several colors in the past. She also had several severe lung conditions – including black lung disease – as well as hydatid cysts. Her eyes were gray, and she had freckles.[141]
The woman was 5'3" – 5'5" tall, and weighed 130–135 pounds. Authorities determined she had had at least two children (she had a Cesarean scar). No illegal drugs were found on her or in her blood, but she was carrying seven epinephrine pills. She wore a black sweatshirt, jeans and blue slippers. Before the crash, she had eaten french fries and pickles, as well as an unknown brownish liquid.
Permission was granted to exhume the woman's body in 2013, but her body was not at the site that was excavated.[142]
On December 1 or 12 (sources vary), 1998, a man was struck by a drunk driver on Interstate 59 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, while trying to hitchhike. The unnamed driver left the scene of the accident but was later apprehended by authorities. The man was white, estimated to be between 22 and 28 years old, was between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 11 inches tall, and weighed 170 pounds. He had red hair and hazel/blue eyes. He also wore a mustache and had freckles. When paramedics responded to the accident, the man told them that his name was Steve Hex (possibly Hicks) and that he was from West Virginia. He later passed away from complications resulting from the accident on May 1, 2002.[143]
Hurricane Katrina Does
On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina made its disastrous second landfall above southeastern Louisiana and Mississippi as a Category 3 hurricane. The hurricane was noted as being tied with Hurricane Harvey of 2017 of being the most expensive hurricane to ever make landfall in the United States, as well as the immense damage it caused to the city of New Orleans. Six days later on September 5, the decomposed remains of two African American victims, a man and woman were discovered in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Unlike the Hurricane Camille Jane Does, investigators do not believe that there is any connection between the two deceased. Both victims were buried next to each other in February, 2006, in marked graves in Machpelah Cemetery in Pascagoula. Local businesses donated the coffins and flowers for both victims.
The male victim, nicknamed "John Mercy", was found in a marshy area outside of Ocean Springs. He was estimated to be between 60 and 65 years old. Most features of the man were not recorded or were unable to be recorded, aside from a mustache and the tattoo of the number 8 inside of a heart on his left forearm.[144]
The female victim, nicknamed "Jane Love", was found between the foundations of two destroyed houses in Ocean Springs. She was 50 to 59 years old, was 5 feet 3 inches tall, and weighed between 100 and 150 pounds. She was found wearing a black T-shirt with a logo for the University of Michigan and a pair of black Capri pants. Her ears were also found to have been pierced.[145]
On January 8, 2014, the partial skull of a young African American boy was found by an employee of the Duett Hack Hole Services Company in rural Sharkey County, Mississippi, near the Issaquena County line. No other remains were recovered after additional searches. The boy was estimated to be between 5 and 7 years old. No other physical characteristics were able to be determined. Race and gender were initially unable to be conclusively determined, until later DNA testing found that the skull belonged to a young African American male. The testing also found that the boy had most likely been born sometime in the early 2000's, and had likely died between 2007 and 2012. No clothing was recovered with the skull.[146]
Othram Inc. was contacted in January 2021 to help identify the boy.[147]
Missouri
Cape Girardeau County John Doe
On April 6, 1981, the skeletal remains of a young white man were found by a mushroom hunter in a wooded area east of Oak Ridge, Missouri. The man appeared to have died from a gunshot related death, however it is unsure whether it was a suicide or a homicide. The man was estimated to be between 20 and 40 years old, was approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighed 175 pounds. Hair color and eye color could not be ascertained. He was found wearing a pair of green pants, a khaki colored short sleeved shirt, and a pair of black loafers with a metal buckle across the instep.[148]
Columbia Baby Doe
On August 15, 2019, the decomposing remains of a female infant of indeterminate ethnicity were found by employees inside of a backpack, in a tire at the McKnight Tire Company in Columbia, Missouri. Most physical characteristics were unable to be determined, as well as the date of death.[149]
After exhausting leads to find the identities of the baby girl's parents, the Columbia Police Department contacted Othram Inc. in September 2020, to help identify the infant.[150]
On October 26, 2003, the partially skeletonized remains of a young white male were found in Marion, Montana. Investigators believe that he could have been dead for anywhere between a few months to 8 years. He was estimated to be between 18 and 42 years old, and was between 5 feet 5 inches and 6 feet tall. Weight could not be ascertained. He was found with various peripherals on him, such as an electronic poker game, sunglasses, a marijuana pipe, a duffel bag and fanny pack, a butterfly knife and a bottle of Aleve. A Smith & Wesson 422 pistol chambered in .22 caliber was also found with the body, although it is unsure whether this had anything to do with the man's demise. His case was taken on by the DNA Doe Project in May, 2019.[151]
On June 20, 2004, the partial skeletal remains of a young white male were found on the side of US Route 212 in unincorporated Carbon County, 15 miles south of Red Lodge, Montana. Additional remains were later discovered at an unknown time. Investigators believe that the man had died between anywhere between 2001 and 2004. The man was estimated to be between 15 and 32 years old, was 5 feet 4 inches to 5 feet 6 inches tall, and weighed between 130 and 140 pounds. He also had light brown hair. No clothing or items were found with the body, and cause of death is uncertain. Investigators were initially uncertain of the doe's gender, and assumed the initial skull and hair came from a young adult female of Caucasian-European Ancestry. This led to early reconstructions showing female features. Later testing however, determined that the remains were of a young male.[152]
On June 24, 1981, the partial skeletal remains of a Native American (possibly Navajo) male were found in remote Morrill County, Nebraska. He was estimated to be between 20 and 25 years old and was between 5 feet 3 inches and 5 feet 5 inches tall. Weight and eye color could not be ascertained. His hair color could also not be conclusively ascertained, however it was believed to be black or dark brown based upon the man's ancestry. No clothing or personal items were found with the remains. Cause of death couldn't be ascertained, but investigators noted that there were no anomalies and also stated that he could have died anywhere between 1 and 5 years ago. Investigators believe that the victim was possibly an itinerant railroad worker, one of possibly 80 Navajo men working on a Union Pacific Railroad track crew in Broadwater for several months in 1979. No local residents of Morrill County of Native American descent had been reported missing during the time, and his remains did not match any missing person reports submitted.[153]
On December 21, 1988 the skeleton of a young white woman was discovered near a local beach in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey as local residents were clearing space for a bicycle trail. One of the residents found what was thought to be a plastic ball, but it turned out to be her skull. Investigators unearthed nearly her entire skeleton soon after. She was estimated to be between 16 and 30 years old, 5 feet to 5 feet 3 inches tall, and between 100 and 115 pounds. Cause of death could not be determined, and investigators believe that she may have been at the location between 8 or 9 years, based upon the surrounding area as well as the clothing she was wearing. She was found wearing knee-high socks, a lace bra, and platform sandals with ankle straps.[154]
On October 26, 2004, the skeletal remains of a young woman of unknown ethnicity were found by an excavation crew in a wooded area near the Interstate 295 overpass and the Malibu Grand Prix in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. Cause of death could not be ascertained, and she was believed to have been deceased for at least a year. She was between 24 and 35 years old, was between 5 feet 1 inch and 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighed between 100 and 125 pounds. She had black hair and black/brown eyes. She was found wearing a leopard print scarf, a vinyl/leather jacket, two blouses, a pair of jean shorts or a jean skirt, a pair of Nike sneakers, white pantyhose, and a black bra. A black pocketbook was also found with the remains. Investigators believe she may have died on site.[155]
On June 5, 1991, a young woman was found hanging from a suitcase strap in the shower of a Super 8 motel room in Albuquerque, New Mexico.[156] Her death was ruled a suicide. She was between 25 and 35 years of age, was five feet and seven inches tall, and weighed approximately 140 pounds. She had curly strawberry blonde hair and her eyes were hazel or gray. A photograph of the decedent with an unknown man was discovered in the room with her belongings, but she was never identified.[157]
New York
Niagara Falls Jane Doe (1930)
On September 5, 1930, the body of an unidentified woman went over the American Falls; the remains were seen in the lower river but sank before they could be retrieved.[158]
Lake Ontario John Doe
On June 17, 1994, the body of a young white man was found floating a far distance from shore in Lake Ontario, near Niagara County, New York. He was between 25 and 30 years old and was 6 feet 2 inches. Weight was uncertain but he was described of having an average build and being well-nourished. He had brown hair and brown eyes. He was found wearing a pair of Levi's jeans that had been manufactured in Canada, a pair of white Nike sneakers, white knee socks with red and blue rings around the top, a black zipper sweater, and a T-shirt with a seagull on the chest with the letter 'R' on the seagull and the words "Rush Programs" under it. Some Canadian currency and a keyring containing 5 keys and a pocket screwdriver were found in his pocket. The screwdriver had a shamrock on the side as well as the words "Powerful Pete". He is believed to be Canadian based on the items found.[159]
Kings County John Does (1996)
On March 19, 1996, three stowaway men were found on the cargo ship 'Ostfriesiand' in Brooklyn, New York, after crew members attempted to fumigate the cargo of cacao beans for insects. The three men were then poisoned to death as a result. Investigators believe that the men stowed onto the boat while it was docked in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. All three men were African or African American, and estimated to be between 20 and 40.
The first male was 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighed 107 pounds. He had black curly hair and a pierced ear. He was found wearing black denim jeans with 'Max USA 1891' written on the tag as well as a black leather belt with 'El Charro' printed onto a silver buckle.[160]
The second male was 6 feet tall and weighed 117 pounds. He had short black hair and brown eyes.He was found wearing a green swimsuit with a multicolored design and 'Funwave' written on the front, as well as a black Casio watch.[161]
The third male was 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighed 112 pounds. He had black hair. He was wearing a brown leather belt, black briefs, blue 'Buffalo/cassis' jeans with a green suede panel on the rear right pocket. His name may have possibly been 'Kim Wunjo'.[162]
Niagara Falls John Doe (1998)
On October 9, 1998, the body of a 40- to 50-year-old white man was found in the Niagara River near the Power Authority. He had graying hair, stood 6ft 6 in (1.981 m) and weighed 263lbs (119kg). His arms, legs and spine were all broken. He was wearing only a gray-and-green striped sock on his left foot.
New York County Jane Doe (1998)
New York County Jane Doe
A woman was seen jumping into the path of an oncoming E train at 14th Street station in New York City on November 9, 1998. She was white, approximately 105 pounds and at the height of five feet. She was estimated to be between twenty-three and thirty-three years old. Her hair and eyes were both brown in color. Her clothing consisted of a tan shirt, jeans, a handbag and a backpack. After she was struck by the train, she was taken to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.[163]
On February 25, 2000, a young Hispanic man was witnessed trying to climb into a large clothing bin in a parking lot in Queens, New York. He attempted to climb back out soon after and got his head stuck in the opening of the bin. He was unable to move and died of suffocation. The man was estimated to be between 25 and 30 years old, was 5 feet 4 inches tall, and weighed 143 pounds. He had black straight hair and a mustache, as well as brown eyes. A 2.5 inch curved scar was found near the scalp on the left upper forehead, as well as a scar on the left arm. Surgical scars were also found on the inner and outer right ankle, left knee, mid-left thigh and on the left hand at the base of the thumb and index finger. He was found wearing blue dress pants, a black and brown belt, a black sweater branded Russell Athletic, a medium maroon JCPenney sweatshirt, a striped green dress shirt, white briefs, and white sneakers.[164]
On April 5, 2006, the body of a newborn female was found at the Mount Kisco Department of Public Works in Mount Kisco, New York. She had possibly been unknowingly transferred to the facility after being vacuumed into a specialized truck configured to extract sediment and water from basins and storm drains. She was 18 inches tall and weighed 5 pounds. She had black or dark brown hair, dark brown eyes, and a fair complexion. She was found inside of a black plastic bag and a white plastic bag labeled 'A&P'.[165]
Reconstruction of Putnam County Jane Doe by Carl Koppelman
On October 13, 2007, the body of a middle aged white woman was found in Breakneck Mountain in Hudson Highlands State Park in Phillipstown, New York. Investigators believe she had been in the area for about a day, as it had been raining on the day she was found, and she was found carrying an umbrella. She was between 45 and 65 years old, was approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighed between 125 and 135 pounds. She had brown shoulder length hair and a light complexion as well as very mild scoliosis. She was found wearing a pair of blue jeans, a blue sweatshirt, a black sweater, a pair of black Reebok sneakers, a brown belt, a gold colored wristwatch with a black band and a pair of red sunglasses. A small compass, small purple LED flashlight, brown hair clip, three keys and a small amount of money were also found with the woman.[166]
On May 25, 2008, a human mandible was found by a group of high school students while cleaning along a river in the New York Botanical Gardens in the Bronx, New York. It was determined to belong to a female of unknown race. Most characteristics could not be determined of what the decedent looked like during life, however she was determined to be an adult. The mandible was found embedded in concrete. Radiocarbon testing on the mandible placed it at the first half of the 20th century, leading investigators to believe the time of death being sometime between 1900 and 1960.[167]
On February 29, 2016, the skeletal remains of an elderly African American man were found an abandoned home in Brooklyn, New York. The man was estimated to be between 55 and 85 years old and was estimated to be 5 feet 7 inches tall. Weight, hair color, and eye color could not be ascertained. The man was found wearing multiple layers of clothing, including an orange Virginia Tech T-shirt, dog tags with "Army Strong" on them, a black pager, and a bracelet with "generationOn.org" on it. Investigators believe the man was most likely homeless, as he was squatting in the upstairs bedroom of the house. Various items including clothing, shoes and toiletry items were also found in the room. Paperwork and food wrappers with an expiration date of Fall 2013 were also found in the room.[168]
The body of a female between the ages of fifteen and twenty-two was found in Lumberton, North Carolina, on June 2, 1978. She was located at the edge of a field and had died weeks before her body was discovered, resulting in decomposition that made determining her eye color impossible. The girl was between five feet one to five feet three inches tall and weighed 100 to 120 pounds at the time of her death. She was white with light brown hair and wore a short-sleeved shirt with a hood and several different colored stripes, jeans and white open-toed shoes. She had several fillings and also had some of her molars removed. Her fingernails and toenails had been painted a reddish color. No signs of violence were observed on the body.[169][170]
On December 8, 1978, the decomposed remains of an African American female were found by a group of hunters about 2000 feet away from a road in the Hooper Hill section of Leland, North Carolina. She was estimated to be between 42 and 56 years old and 5 feet 4 inches tall. She had black hair that was short to medium length. Weight and eye color could not be ascertained due to the state of the remains. Cause of death was undetermined. She was found wearing a dark short sleeved shirt, black slacks or pajama pants, half stockings, red scuffs and a yellow Snoopy watch. Isotope testing indicated that she was not native to the state, and most likely had only arrived recently. She may have originated from California, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, or Wisconsin.[171]
On December 26, 1983, the partial skeletal remains of a young child were discovered by hunters in Northampton County, North Carolina, near Virginia. Due to animals and decomposition, many of the bones, the victim's hair and her clothing could not be recovered.[172] The victim was a female, of African heritage, who was likely between four and six years old and may have been biracial. Although there was no apparent cause of death, she did have evidence of trauma to her face that occurred earlier in her life, possibly from abuse. Other details of the victim's life included that she could have suffered from ear infections and had damage to her nose prior to her death.[173] The girl had received dental care, as some fillings were found in her teeth. She may have been deceased for as much as a year before she was found.[174]
Iredell County John Doe (2010)
Iredell County John Doe (2010)
On December 13, 2010, the skeletal remains of a middle aged to elderly African American man was found in a wooded area by a group of children in Statesville, North Carolina. Some shirts tied together in a noose were found hanging in the tree above the remains, leading investigators to believe he died as the result of a suicide. He was estimated to be between 40 and 65 years old and was 5 feet 8 inches tall. Hair color, eye color, and weight were unable to be ascertained. The man was found to be missing some teeth on the left side of his mouth and had an asymmetrical cranial vault. No clothing was recorded to be found with the remains.[175]
A man was pronounced dead approximately four minutes after he fell from a cliff in Euclid, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, on May 8, 1981.[176] The exact cause of his death was determined to have been trauma to the chest. The man had been seen alive by a trio of men who stated he had claimed to have traveled to the states of New York, New Jersey, Ohio and California, the latter state he had planned to travel to as soon as he could come upon the means to fund his transportation. They also stated he had used cocaine and alcohol and bore the first name "Joe". His hair and eyes were brown, and he was five feet seven inches tall and weighed 146 pounds. His clothing consisted of a jacket, a sweatshirt, a wool sweater, a T-shirt, a hat, a belt, two pairs of socks and a pair of brown boots. His age was believed to be between twenty and thirty and he carried various personal items, including cologne and suntan oil.[177]
Hudson John Doe
On August 16, 2019, a team of excavators working on a real estate development in Hudson, Ohio, uncovered a pine box containing skeletal human remains. The remains had been fossilized, and it is believed that they were buried for at least 50 to 75 years. The remains were found to be from a white male, between 40 and 70 years old. The area in which the box was found was not an official cemetery, however there exist records from the mid 1800s suggesting that bodies have been buried at the location. The DNA Doe Project was asked to assist with identifying the remains in March, 2020.[178]
On June 26, 1972, a young white man or teenager was found close 6 feet off of the shoulder of Interstate 40 west close to the overpass of US Route 183 in Clinton, Oklahoma. He was estimated to be between 16 and 20 years old, was approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighed 140 pounds. He had long dark brown hair and hazel eyes. He was found wearing a blue 'Never Iron Campus' double knit shirt, blue jeans, a brown belt with Captain's buckle, brown leather boots, a white gold promise ring with 'TC968' engraved in the band, and a denim arm band on his left arm. He carried a package of Marlboro cigarettes, and a St. Louis, Missouri stamp #42289. He also had a blue mimeo bond sheet which listed dates 6/16-6/30 and 'Mollincrodt'/'Mellincrodt'. This may have been a reference to Mallinckrodt in St. Louis. Investigators believe that he was most likely hitchhiking or was just a pedestrian in a vehicular accident. He had also been released from a St. Louis jail one day prior.[179]
On August 16, 1988, a man's dog dug up the skeletal remains of an elderly African American male in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Investigators conducted more searches during the following week and located more remains in a nearby creek. Cause of death could not be ascertained. He was estimated to be between 50 and 80 years old. Weight, height, and eye color could not be ascertained. He was found to have graying blonde hair, and most likely had severe vertebral osteophytes. He was found to be missing all of his top teeth, and had a denture plate for them.[180]
On January 18, 1990, police responded to a traffic accident involving an overturned semi-truck in Big Cedar, Oklahoma. Inside they found a middle-aged African American female, dead. She had most likely died as a result of the accident. She was estimated to be between 25 and 50 years old, was approximately 5 feet 1 inch tall, and weighed 87 pounds. She had short black hair and brown eyes. She also had scars on her forehead and left upper-arm, as well as a scar on her abdomen from a possible C-section. She was found wearing a blue and gray striped long sleeve shirt, a beige colored long sleeve sweater, blue corduroy pants with a tan woven fabric belt, and a yellow-metal ring with a pink stone. The driver initially claimed that he had only picked the woman up 15 minutes before the crash, however his sister stated that she was actually a hitchhiker from Cleveland, Ohio, and may have gone by the names "Beth" or "Baby". Charges were brought against the driver but were later dropped.[181] DNA was extracted from the woman's remains in 2017. The DNA Doe Project was asked to assist with her case in June, 2020.[182]
On April 27, 2006, a non-responsive multi-racial woman was found in a ditch alongside a gravel road in Webbers Falls, Oklahoma. She was white or Native American, and possibly of Greek descent. She was estimated to be between 20 and 40 years old, was 5 feet 3 inches tall, and weighed between 149 and 160 pounds. She was found wearing a white turtleneck sweater, blue/black running pants with two white strips, yellow capri pants, two white socks, two leather bracelets and a cloth and elastic bracelets. Despite the circumstances of the woman's finding, investigators deemed her cause of death was natural, from blood loss following a uterine hemorrhage. There were no injuries, or signs of sexual assault or struggle. However, investigators still believe that she had been placed at the location at about midnight the night before. Her fingerprints were taken, and no matches were found. Investigators do not believe she had a criminal history.[183]
On September 7, 1993, the body of a young/middle aged white woman was discovered by employees of an aluminum transfer station in Portland, Oregon. Her body was face-down on the east bank of the Willamette River, and she had died by drowning about two days prior to discovery. She was estimated to be between 30 and 40 years old, was 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighed 140 pounds. She had long brown hair and brown eyes. She had a cesarean section scar and a scar in the shape of a C on the back of her left hand. She had also lost a large amount of weight recently. She was found wearing a blue sweatshirt, a tan J.C. Penney bra with flowers embroidered, a pair of maroon jeans, black shoes with black laces, a Seiko watch a brown elastic band with gold colored glitter and a silver ring with a Road Runner symbol on it. Her discovery was well reported by several newspaper articles when she was found, however none produced leads. Her body was cremated in 1996.[184]
Pennsylvania
Allegheny County Jane Doe (1934)
On April 25, 1934 the body of a young female child aged about ten months with blond hair and brownish gray eyes weighed 11 pounds and 26 inches tall was found on the school lawn of Robinston Twp High School, Moon Run, Pennsylvania. The night before the child had been with her mother [a hitchhiker] who did not give a name but claimed to be from Baltimore, Maryland and was going to Steubenville, Ohio. It is believed the mother had placed the child on the school lawn where it would have been seen by students and taken care of; however although the child was dressed in stockings, flannelette nightgown, undershirt and bonnet that was all white and had a milk bottle, the decedent died of exposure.[185] The decedent was buried in Cavalry Cemetery.[186]
On October 9, 1958 the body of a male was found in a sleeping bag near Bedford. The cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head from a Springfield 30.06 rifle the decedent had with him but it could not be determined if it was an accident or suicide. The decedent was white; 6 feet 2 inches to 6 feet 6 inches in height, and was estimated to be 30–35 years old. It is thought he had been dead a year; in September 1957 Bedford police had questioned a loitering man with a rifle who claimed to be going from Kentucky to Canada. Besides Canada and Kentucky "John Doe" may have had links to two other states: Indiana (His gun had been sold in Indiana in 1939) and Illinois (he was wearing a contact lens that was traced to a Chicago manufacturer and an Illinois Physician but no name). His camping equipment had hardly ever been used and he had no food. He also had a book of poetry.[187]
On January 17, 1977, the frozen body of a young white male was found in a cave by a pair of hikers in an area known as 'The Pinnacle' along the Appalachian Trail in Albany Township, Pennsylvania. The cave in which the body was found is only accessible by foot. Investigators believe that he died from a drug overdose. He was found wearing a dark brown suede/buckskin jacket with tassels on the sleeves, blue faded jeans, a brown leather belt, a knit turtleneck sweater, a long winter military issue undershirt and pair of pants, two pairs of socks, a pair of brown leather hiking boots, leather gloves, a 14K white gold ring with an oval blue stone and a pair of sunglasses. Also found with him was a comb, pen, pencil, matches, and US$1.78 in cash. Investigators believe more of his hiking equipment may have been obscured by the snow. Much information about the man including autopsy reports, possible fingerprints, and even his burial location in Berks County Potter's Field had been lost. However, in August 2019, his burial location was rediscovered, and his body was exhumed to extract DNA and dental information. His dental records apparently matched those of two missing individuals from Florida and Illinois.[188]
On July 9, 1982, the decomposed remains of a young African American woman were found in a shallow body of water near the Girard Avenue Bridge in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was estimated to be between 20 and 35 years old, was between 5 feet and 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighed between 110 and 120 pounds. She may have had black hair and brown eyes. Her ears had been pierced. She was found wearing a black, short-sleeved pullover shirt with gray bands around the shoulder/neck, a pair of blue jeans with a Calvin Klein label, a pair of blue sneakers with white soles and one stud earring in the shape of a tennis racket. Details were released to the public around the time of discovery, and her description was compared to missing persons reports from the area, but both yielded no clues to the woman's identity.[189]
A sixteen- to thirty-year-old Asian man was found dead minutes after his death in a train station on April 22, 1994 in Philadelphia from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The gun, found at the scene, was traced to a Wisconsin resident who stated the weapon was stolen nearly a decade before. A note was left at the scene, presumably written by the young man, which stated: "With gloves on his fingers and blood on his toes. He will have music wherever he goes. Don't fuck with the dragons." He had unique scars on various places on his head and neck as well as one on the back of his right knee and a birthmark on his chest. He wore a large shirt, white shoes, jeans, and white socks and underwear.[190] His teeth were in good condition, showing little sign of dental care. He was five feet nine inches tall and weighed 168 pounds.[191]
On March 15, 2009, the skeletal remains of a middle aged white or possibly Middle Eastern male were discovered by a man searching for stray golf balls, just outside of the fence of the Island Green Golf Course in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania. Investigators found trace evidence of methamphetamine in his system, leading them to believe the cause of death was a possible overdose. He was between 35 and 60 years old, stood between 5 feet 1 inch and 5 feet 6 inches, and weighed 140 pounds. He had brown and gray hair and possibly brown eyes based on DNA phenotyping. He possibly suffered from moderate scoliosis/ankylosis and moderate arthritis. Along with other medical conditions, this would have most likely caused the man to walk with a hunch or limp. He was found wearing a pair of gray US Polo Association dress pants, brown dress socks with a black checkerboard pattern, Hanes underwear and a pair of 'Dexter' shoes. He was also found with a few dollars and change as well as a small pink clear plastic packet inside of the left nasal cavity. DNA phenotyping suggested that he was possibly of southeastern European, Mediterranean and/or Middle-Eastern descent. He was originally thought to be African-American. Genetic genealogy testing is slated to discover possible family members.[192]
On December 12, 2014, a boy discovered the embalmed head of an elderly woman while walking in a wooded area of Economy, Pennsylvania, approximately 15 miles (24km) northwest of Pittsburgh. Red rubber balls were in the eye sockets and no other body parts have been found. Police initially believed the head may have been taken from a funeral home, but now believe it may be linked to the illicit body parts trade.[193]
South Carolina
Charleston County John Doe (2001)
On August 2, 2001, the decomposing remains of a young/middle aged white/Hispanic man were found in an abandoned Dodge van in a lot in Charleston, South Carolina, by a pair of towing company employees as they were removing cars from the site. The man was estimated to be between 20 and 40 years old and was approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall. He had medium length dark hair and a medium build. Weight and eye color could not be ascertained. He was found wearing a pair of boxer shorts, a pair of black/dark colored jeans, a black/brown belt, a pair of socks, brown work boots, a T-shirt (pulled over the man's face), and a shoelace around his right wrist. A backpack was also found that contained various personal effects, as well as a Spanish bible, and business cards for various local Hispanic businesses in the area, as well as a fake social security card.
One business card led to a landscaping company, the owner of which stated that he had interviewed two Hispanic men for his company about a month prior. Their names were "Eddie" and "Raoul", and Eddie claimed that he had been living in cars in a junkyard. Raoul was carrying a backpack. Eddie was described as being between 20 and 30 years old with a short, stocky build, while Raoul was in his 40's with a taller build. Investigators believe it is possible that the body may have been Raoul.
Other leads led to shelters, Hispanic ministries and the Hispanic Newspaper in the area.[194]
On August 20, 2006, a family fishing discovered a human skull near the base of the James B. Edwards Bridge in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Investigators believe that the skull came from a teenage male between the ages of 14 and 19 years old. Most physical characteristics of the decedent's body could not be ascertained due to the incomplete remains. Investigators even believed that the remains were that of a female at first, however DNA testing later proved that they were male. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children was able to produce a reconstruction of how the young male may have appeared in life.[195]
On June 1, 1987, the body of a young woman between twenty and thirty years old was found in Knoxville, Knox County, Tennessee. The woman had brown hair and stood five feet five inches tall, weighing 100 to 120 pounds. A shotgun wound to the head was determined to be the cause of death, as she, along with the men who picked her up at a party, attempted a robbery, resulting in the woman being shot by the resident. She had apparently attempted to enter the house by breaking down the front door and then attempted to break through the screen behind it and was then killed.[196][197] Other clues to identification include a tattoo of the letters "BH" on her arm as well as a silver bracelet. She also had a past pelvic surgery and a metal plate as well as a metal pin in her leg, possibly the result of a car accident. Other healed injuries include fractures and damage to her vertebrae. A scar was found on her abdomen, presumably from a cesarean section or a hysterectomy. By studying the teeth, examiners believe she was from either the southeastern United States or the New England area. An autopsy revealed her blood alcohol was 0.13% at the time of her death.[198][199][200][201][202]
On March 29, 1999, the decomposing body of a middle aged white female was found by a group of workers cleaning brush and garbage from a creek bed near an overpass in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Investigators could not ascertain the cause of death, and they believed she had died months prior to being found. She was estimated to be between 30 and 45 years old, was 5 feet 4 inches tall, and weighed 130 pounds. She had dark brown or black hair, and seemed possibly bow-legged. She had various fractures around her body, but authorities do not believe that they were related to her death. The only clothing she was found wearing was a pair of red shorts, a rubber band around her wrist and a red 'twist-style' ponytail holder. She was noted to have extremely poor dental hygiene. The area of the creek she was found in runs parallel to Interstate 24 east.[203]
On August 13, 1974, the decomposed remains of a young male of unknown ethnicity were found floating in the Bear River, west of Deweyville, Utah. He had drowned, possibly after swimming, and no signs of foul play could be found. He was estimated to be between 20 and 35 years old, was approximately 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighed 130 pounds. He had black hair. His teeth were described to be in perfect condition with no cavities. He was only found wearing a pair of shorts.
A woman had reported that an Indian worker had stopped by her house near the river for a glass of water, and was able to provide details which matched the man's description. He may have possibly been a migrant worker.[204]
On December 7, 1998, the skeleton of a teenage white or Native American male was discovered in a cave in the Webb Hill area of St. George, Utah. He was estimated to be between 15 and 17 years old, and was between 5 feet 4 inches tall and 5 feet 6 inches tall. Weight, hair color, and eye color could not be ascertained due to the condition of the remains. He had a healed fracture on his left hand, and a thirteenth right rib. The victim's arms showed extensive use, possibly indicating he worked in heavy industry. He also had an active pulmonary infection, which may have led to his demise. He was found wearing two shirts, a jacket, a pair of denim pants, "Marshall Field's" boots, and three blankets. The number 816 was stamped in the inside cotton liner of the right boot. Investigators estimate that the clothing that the decedent was found in may date back between 1914 and 1925.[205]
On July 23, 1972, a young white male was struck by a vehicle when he was hitchhiking near the Fair Deal Market on US Route 19 and former US Route 21 in Beckley, West Virginia. He died from his injuries in the accident. He was estimated to be between 17 and 21 years old and was 6 feet tall, Weight and eye color could not be ascertained or were not recorded. He had dark, reddish-brown hair and a mustache.
He was wearing a pair of black Levi jeans, a gray checkered shirt and a pair of jungle boots. Another individual who had previously given the man a ride claimed that the man was travelling to Bluefield, West Virginia, to obtain a birth certificate to join the army.
The unknown man also claimed that he was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois and that both of his parents were deceased.
On October 20, 2009, a hunter discovered an overturned flatbed dump truck, 300 yards away from US Route 19 south, in Morgantown, West Virginia. Next to the truck lied the nearly skeletal remains of a young Native American/Hispanic man. He was estimated to be between 30 and 39 years old, was approximately 5 feet 1 inch tall and approximately 135 pounds. He had short dark brown hair.
He was wearing a pair of blue jeans, a brown belt, white boxer underwear, white socks, a cloth bracelet, and brown Chukka boots. He also had a brown wallet containing a framed picture, and a Drury Inn Hotel key card, as well as a key chain with one key. The area the man was found in had not been mowed by WVDOT since July. Investigators also found a Georgia ID card with the remains, with a picture of what is believed to be the man, and the name "Pablo Hernandez Cruz". When running the information, they found no matches in various databases. Phone numbers and addresses were also found with the man, none of which led to his identity, however.[206]
A young man in Delafield, Waukesha County, Wisconsin, was killed after colliding with a tree while driving a stolen vehicle on September 14, 1977. He was a white male between seventeen and twenty-five, had brown hair, hazel eyes, weighed 155 pounds and stood six feet tall. When he died, he wore a white sports jacket over a long-sleeved shirt with various colors. He also wore a watch, distinctive patterned pants with gray and white squares along with black shoes and socks. He also had a cigarette lighter engraved with "To John Love Lauri," indicating that "John" may have been his first name or he had stolen it from someone bearing the name. A business card from an Illinois store known as "Johnny's Mobile Home Sales" was also found at the scene.[207] In February, 2020, law enforcement asked the DNA Doe Project for assistance identifying the body.[208]
The body of a female of African heritage was found floating near a dock in Milwaukee on March 16, 1982. She may have been deceased for several months, but had been well preserved due to the low temperatures in the river. She is believed to have died at the age of fifteen to twenty-five, possibly as old as thirty-five. She was five feet four inches tall and weighed 137 pounds. Her hair was styled in an Afro and was black with reddish tints. Her face was reconstructed by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in 2014 after her mortuary photographs were submitted. This was done due to her face being swollen from being in the water for a period of time. She had dental fillings and two root canals in her life and also had a scar leading from her abdomen to her pubic region. The victim's death is considered accidental, as there were no signs of foul play on her body.[209] She wore a brown coat, bluish-green socks, boots, tan hat, brown top and a sweater.[210]
FBI reconstruction of Kenosha County John Doe (1993)
On August 27, 1993, the partial skeletal remains of a middle aged male of indeterminate race were discovered by a photographer near the Soo Line tracks near Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. The man was estimated to be between 39 and 60 years old and was between 5 feet 11 inches and 6 feet 1 inch tall. He had black hair and a black/gray mustache. Weight and eye color could not be ascertained. He was estimated to have been deceased for four months, and cause of death could not be ascertained. He also had the tattoo of a dragonfly, bear claw, and a face on his left forearm.
He was found wearing a white T-shirt which appeared to be dyed red, grey Jordache jeans, and one heavy sock on his left foot.
FBI rendering of what John Clinton Doe may have looked like at age 20 (2014).
The remains of a young man, mostly skeletonized, were discovered on November 26, 1995 in the town of Bradford near Clinton, Rock County, Wisconsin. He is locally known as "John Clinton Doe" or "JCD".[213][214] The individual's body was positioned on its stomach in sleeping pose in a remote area on the bank of Turtle Creek. There was not enough evidence to determine the official cause and manner of death, but it is likely he fell asleep or passed out and succumbed to hypothermia. The body is believed by some to be that of a lightly bearded man, known as "River Guy", who was seen on October 16, 1994, appearing intoxicated, running in the same creek near where the body was found a year later.[215] The subject seen in 1994 wore clothing similar to the small-medium clothes found with the body, which included camouflage pants, a black shirt, and a multicolored jacket. Black Nike athletic shoes and underwear with a Bart Simpson design were also found. The male's personal items included a lighter, a homemade pendant and a black wrist watch. Physical examination of the body by forensic anthropologists indicated that the decedent was white, between seventeen and twenty years old, had long brown hair, was between five feet five to five feet seven inches tall, and likely weighed around 140 pounds. He had died approximately one year prior, reinforcing the theory that the body belonged to River Guy.[216] Forensic testing was eventually performed on the bones. A DNA profile was sent to the FBI's National CODIS system. Stable Isotope Analysis indicated he had spent a significant amount of time in the Great Lakes region of the country, specifically Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota.[217] 197 missing persons have been ruled out as identities of JCD.[218] John Clinton Doe is buried in Johnstown Center Cemetery, Rock County, Wisconsin. His skull was cremated. In 2018 police asked the DNA Doe Project to try to identify the body.[219] A tentative identification was announced on February 22, 2019 by the project, which is now pending official investigation and confirmation by law enforcement.[220]
"John Lehman"
2021 Reconstruction of "John Lehman" by Carl Koppelman
On February 8, 1999, a middle-aged white man was found deceased in his apartment in Webster, Wisconsin. His cause of death was not stated. He was estimated to be approximately 54 years old, approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall weighed 209 pounds. He had gray hair and hazel eyes. He also had pierced ears and multiple tattoos, including a flower with the name "Debbee" on a banner on his left forearm, an undiscernable amateur tattoo on his left upper-arm, and an amateur tattoo of possibly an "S" and an "O" on his right upper arm. According to his girlfriend, who found him deceased, and his landlord, he had gone by the name "John Lehman", which was later proven to be a false name. His girlfriend also said in a later interview that he was a con man and used the name "Bobby James Pearson", and that she did not know his real name.[221]
The DNA Doe Project was contacted to investigate his identity on July 5, 2021.[222]
On September 6, 2001, the partial skeletal remains of a young man of indeterminate race were found inside of a shipping crate in a Menard's distribution center in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The man was estimated to be between 25 and 35 years old, and was 5 feet 5 inches tall. He also had dark brown hair. Weight and eye color could not be ascertained. Investigators estimate that he had been dead for maybe three months, and cause of death could not be ascertained.
He was found wearing dark pants, a dark long-sleeve button down shirt, and leather tie-up shoes. The crate, which came from Livorno, Italy, contained tiles as the packing order, but also had a bundle of clothing, a plastic bag full of feces, and a hand drill which was most likely used to create ventilation holes inside the box.[223]
Wyoming
"Coal Train Carlos"
Reconstruction of Coal Train Carlos as well as tattoo and clothing items
On November 11, 1995, the body of a middle-aged white or possibly Cuban man was found frozen on a coal train car in Wright, Campbell County, Wyoming. He was estimated to be between 40 and 50 years old, was 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighed between 150 and 165 pounds. He had black, graying hair and brown eyes. He had a small scar on his left hip, as well as two tattoos. A tattoo was located on his left upper arm which read "Caridad" (Charity), and one on his right hand which read "Cubano" (Cuban). He also had blood acetone levels consistent with possibly having diabetes, as well as being most likely a smoker, as various cigarette butts were found.
He was found wearing a short-sleeve purple button-down shirt, brown pants, light socks, a green Mexican blanket-vest, yellow Cuban heel-loafers, and a brown belt engraved with the name "Morillon". Three keys and a lighter were also found. The man's remains were cremated before dental charting or DNA testing could be conducted, and his belongings were lost when they were turned over to a funeral home which lacked records of ever receiving them.
Investigators still believe that he can be identified by his tattoos or visual recognition.[224]
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.
↑ "Unknown". identifyus.org. Philadelphia Medical Examiner. April 22, 1994. Archived from the original on January 1, 2015.Cite uses generic title (help)
↑ "1922UMPA". www.doenetwork.org. Retrieved July 4, 2020.
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