List of unidentified decedents 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 UIDs 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 heavily decomposed, skeletal, or unrecognizable due to severe facial trauma at the time of recovery, other methods must be used. Some other common modes of identification include fingerprints, dental records, chest x-rays, and as a last resort, comparing the deceased's DNA to the DNA sequence of a genetically close relative such as a parent or sibling. In some cases, circumstantial evidence can be used to formally identify a body; for example, if the deceased has a driver's license on their person, or is found deceased on their own property after going missing, those context clues can be used to make an identification. 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]

If remains are unable to be identified, law enforcement can search missing persons databases for potential matches, then compare DNA or dental records to confirm or rule out the match. Law enforcement can also publicize the case through flyers or local news stories, in the hopes that someone will come forward and recognize the deceased as a missing loved one.

A medical examiner's office can also use a few techniques to narrow down the identity of the deceased. An isotope test measures the proportion of certain oxygen and/or strontium isotopes found in the teeth. These proportions of isotopes correspond to the drinking water found in different areas of the country. Using this test, medical examiners can narrow down a range of geographic areas where the deceased likely grew up, or lived in soon before they died. Pollen grains on the victim's clothing can also be analyzed to determine which geographic area the deceased may have come from. For example, in the case of Caledonia Jane Doe (Tammy Alexander), pollen grains found on her clothing indicated that she had spent time in a sub-tropical state such as California or Florida. If a DNA sample is too degraded for an accurate sequence to be obtained by traditional means, next-generation (Illumina) sequencing can be used to generate an adequate DNA profile.

Over the last fifteen years, government and law enforcement agencies have set up databases of unidentified remains, which are available to and searchable by members of the public. The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUS) was established in 2007 by the U.S. Department of Justice. It provides a database of cold case unidentified persons, as well as cold case missing persons. These publicly available databases are searchable according to several demographic characteristics such as race, height, weight and estimated age. These two searchable databases allow members of law enforcement, as well as members of the public, to compare missing and unidentified persons for potential matches. These matches can then be evaluated by a medical examiner's office, using comparison of fingerprints, dental records, or DNA, depending on which are available. Recently, members of the public have become active in helping to solve several high-profile unidentified persons cases, such as the case of Caledonia Jane Doe (Tammy Alexander) and the case of Grateful Doe. A number of online communities have become established to aid in the identification of UIDs, most notably the forum Websleuths and the Grateful Doe group on the popular website Reddit. These communities work to find potential matches between missing and unidentified persons, and work to publicize cases on social media and through news outlets.

The following is a list of some of the most well-known cold cases of unidentified persons. It is by no means a comprehensive list of unidentified persons in the United States.

Arkansas

Crittenden County John Doe

A black man between thirty and sixty years old was found in the Mississippi River on October 28, 1982 in West Memphis, Crittenden County, Arkansas.^[4] The man was six feet two inches tall and weighed approximately 185 pounds with brown eyes and graying black hair. He wore a mustache in a horseshoe shape with side burns. Clothing found included a pair of blue pants, a green jacket, a brown belt, one boot, boxers, two pairs of socks and two shirts underneath the jacket. The man also carried some change as well as a gold-colored ring on his right ring finger, a jar of Vaseline, chapstick and a lighter. He may not have been from the area, as he also was found with pamphlets detailing the area as well as a map.^[5]

Hot Spring County John Doe

In Malvern, Hot Spring County, Arkansas, a white 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 that was hitchhiking to California. The subject had been driving the passenger's car, as he was less drowsy than his companion, that had decided to sleep instead of drive.^[6] The unidentified man had brown hair and eyes and also wore a beard. He was twenty-five to thirty-five years old and was five feet eight inches at a weight of 167 pounds. He wore tan pants, a sweater, a second top, multicolored socks and boots.^[7]

"Laundry Lady"

A woman was struck and killed by a vehicle while she walked on Highway 61 on September 9, 1987 in West Memphis, Crittenden County, Arkansas. She had been propelled approximately 150 feet before she landed and subsequently died. The female was between forty-five and sixty years old; she had curly brown hair and light brown or hazel eyes. The woman earned her nickname for a bag near the body that had various personal hygiene items as well as a box of laundry detergent. The woman wore a full set of dentures, a red T-shirt, jeans, white undergarments and tan shoes.^[8] The woman carried a business card that was traced to a man whom had stated he had given the woman a ride seven days before in Nashville, Tennessee. He also claimed she had said her first name was "Mary" and was native to Phoenix, Arizona.^[9]

Ashley County John Doe

A white man between twenty and forty years of age was killed after a tractor trailer collided with his body on Highway 52 in Hamburg, Ashley County, Arkansas on May 24, 1989.^[10] The victim had reddish-blond hair and a beard; his eyes were a blue-hazel color. His height was five feet ten inches and he weighed 135 pounds. He wore a pair of jeans, a multi-colored plaid shirt, a belt, brown boots with a matching jacket, black socks and two handkerchiefs that were blue and red, respectively.^[11]

Arizona

Pinal County Jane Doe

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 tee 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 and had an indeterminable weight.^[12] She likely died three to ten weeks before, due to an unknown cause. The female's race was difficult to assess, but her hair indicated she was either Native American or Hispanic.^[13] She had a visible overbite and had no trace of dental care on her teeth.^[14]

"Tempe Girl"

A teenage Hispanic female found dead in 2002 after a cocaine overdose in Tempe, Arizona.^[15]

California

Connecticut

West Haven Jane Doe

External images

NCMEC reconstruction

Profile

Clock (replica)

The partial skeleton of a woman was found on April 20, 1979 in West Haven, Connecticut. She was between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five when she died due to an unknown cause and nature, near a water processing company. She had died between 1971 and 1978, a year to eight years before she was located. A black bra made from lace was the only article of clothing found, but she also had a folding alarm clock in her possession. The woman had fillings, signs of a dental disease and congenitally missing wisdom teeth. She also may have had some back problems, as she may have been missing a vertebra and could have had arthritis.^[16]

Delaware

"Miss X"

A young, pregnant female discovered deceased in Bear, Delaware in 1967. She and her unborn child died due to septicemia.^[17]

Florida

Orlando Jane Doe (1977)

External images

NCMEC reconstruction

Profile

Ring and sandal

Clothing

A young black female's remains were located in Orlando, Florida on January 21, 1977. She was between sixteen and eighteen when she died and was between five feet two to five feet eight inches tall in a weight range between 110 and 130 pounds. She had some unique features, such as a possibly slanted nose and previous injuries to her lower left leg. With her body, jeans, a yellow and brown top decorated with people and flowers, blue flip-flop sandal, underwear, bra and a bracelet were found. The bracelet was silver and contained a blue stone.^[18]

Bahia Honda Keys Jane Doe

External images

NCMEC reconstruction

Profile

A girl presumed to be between sixteen and nineteen was found drowned on March 5, 1979 in Bahia Honda Keys, Florida. She had died hours before due to unknown circumstances. The Jane Doe was believed to have had the habit of smoking, as she had evidence of emphysema in her lungs. She was white with auburn hair that was curly and had brown eyes. She was approximately five feet five inches tall and weighed 110 pounds. Distinguishing features included a dental crown made from metal or porcelain, several fillings and evidence of root canals, a visible scar on her right pointer finger and had nails that had been well-maintained. She had worn a black top and blue jeans on the day she died.^[19]

Broward County John Doe (1979)

On November 2, 1979, a young white man was killed by a drunk driver while walking on Interstate 95 in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida. The victim was also killed alongside another individual who was later identified.^[20] He was between sixteen and twenty-five at a height of five feet five inches and a weight of 208 pounds. His eyes were light in color, as they were gray.^[21] The victim's hair was brown and he also may have had facial hair, although this is unknown. He was fully clothed at the time of his death but little detail exist on the exact color or brand his clothing was. He had no evidence of seeing a dentist in life, as he had no fillings or other sorts of work.^[22]

Pinellas County John Doe

On October 10, 1980, the body of a young man was recovered from the Tampa Bay underneath a bridge in St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida. He died eighteen to twenty-four hours before he was found. He was five feet six inches tall and weighed 115 to 135 pounds at the age of fifteen to twenty-five.^[23] His curly hair and eyes were brown and he had not shaved for a few days, as some facial hair was visible on his chin. He was wearing jeans, underwear and socks when he was found.^[24]

Broward County Jane Doe (1982)

External images

NCMEC reconstruction

Digital reconstruction

Digital reconstruction

On the afternoon of August 3, 1982, a young woman was killed after being hit by a tractor trailer in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida. When she died, she wore jeans, a dark blue or brown top and brown sandals. She had dark blond or light brown hair that was curly in texture.^[25] The girl had large breasts for her age and possibly spoke with a Cajun or Southern accent when she was alive. She was of slender build, at a height of five feet two inches and a weight of 110 pounds. The girl was between fourteen and seventeen, although she may have been as young as twelve and as old as twenty-five. She had possibly been hitchhiking around the southern United States, in Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana and Nevada.^[26] It is possible when she was in the latter state that she used the name "Donna" and that she had friends or family living in the area. She had thirty dollars and three business cards; one was linked to a police officer who provided information involving a runaway who stated the details about Nevada.^[27]

Broward County Jane Doe (1988)

A white female was located behind a store on December 27, 1988 in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida. She had apparently died twelve hours before due to a cocaine overdose, presumed to be accidental. The female had not died at the location, however, as her body was likely dumped by another individual. She was estimated to be between the ages of twenty-one and forty and had curly auburn hair and brown or gray-hazel eyes.^[28] She was estimated to be at the height of five feet four inches tall and was about 108 pounds. The woman had a distinct tattoo of a blue butterfly on her lower abdomen. She was clothed, except for shoes, as she was wearing jeans and a pink and white sweater. A ring and a watch were noted as jewelry.^[29]

Collier County John Doe

External images

NCMEC reconstruction

Sketch

The body of a male, possibly using the name of "Sebastian Pasqual," between the ages of fifteen to twenty-five (possibly as old as thirty) was found on May 12, 1986 in Immokalee, Collier County, Florida.^[30] The victim's race was difficult to assess, although he had a darker complexion, black hair and brown eyes. Examiners believe he was either of Hispanic or Indian descent. The victim was discovered about a day after he died by officers searching for a "potential stabbing victim". The male had a faint beard and was approximately five feet one to five feet two inches tall and weighed about 120 to 140 pounds. He wore a beige shirt with snap buttons, blue corduroy pants and a belt with a buckle depicting several rifle bullets.^[31] The John Doe carried five dollars and ninety-four cents. It is also believed he may have smoked in life.^[32]

Georgia

Putnam County John Doe (1978)

A black male between fifteen and twenty-two was found in a train car on June 10, 1978 in Eatontown, Putnam County, Georgia. He died twenty-four to forty-eight hours before. He was between 120 and 130 pounds, but his height has not been disclosed. His hair was brownish-black and had possibly been dyed reddish. 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.^[33]

Baker County Jane Doe

External images

Composite image

Sketch

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 1 June 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.^[34] She was between fifteen and thirty-five, had blue eyes, brownish-blond hair with blond highlights. She was tanned and also had stretch marks on her buttocks and stomach, a possible indication that she had lost weight recently. The victim was between five one to five feet four inches tall and weighed between 110 and 120 pounds, at a slim build and light complexion.^[35][36] She wore a gray shirt, jeans with the name Allison Milles (which has not been verified to be her name), white shoes and socks and a bandanna with the colors of an American flag. A white pillow was also with the victim. She was exhumed in 2012 for DNA information.^[37]

Ware County Jane Doe

External images

Sketch

3D reconstruction

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.^{[38][39][40][41][42]}

DeKalb County John Doe

External images

NCMEC reconstruction

Sweatshirt

The skeleton of a boy was discovered on February 26, 1999 in Decatur, DeKalb County, Georgia behind a cemetery at a nearby church.^[43] The child was of African heritage, between the ages of five and seven and was about three feet ten to four feet two inches tall at a weight between 45 and 60 pounds.^[44] 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 from the local area, or possibly from either the Atlanta area or northern Florida before his death, the cause of which is unknown.^[45][46][47] No suspects have been noted in the case, if foul play was involved with the subject's death, as he appeared to be healthy when he died.^[48] It was previously speculated that the body belonged to D'Wan Sims, a child missing since 1994 in Missouri. DNA testing in 2003 confirmed that Sims was not the John Doe.^[49] The case has also been featured on America's Most Wanted.^[50]

Illinois

Will County Jane Doe (1981)

The remains of a white woman were found on April 19, 1981 in New Lennox, Will County, Illinois, along interstate 80. The female was between twenty-three and thirty-five 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 five feet five inches. 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.^[51]

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 and her hair was black, but was beginning to turn gray. She was five feet ten inches tall and weighed around 140 pounds 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."^[52]

Cook County Jane Doe (2005)

In Chicago, Illinois, the skeleton of a female aged twelve to eighteen was located on April 28, 2005. She had been found near a railroad and had died years before, up to eight prior. Because of the condition of her remains, her height, hair color and weight could not be estimated. The female's height was possible to be determined, however, and was subsequently placed between five feet and five feet five inches. Some teeth were not found in the skull, but no evidence of dental work was noted. Examination of the bones indicated she was white with possible Asian ancestry.^[53] Five missing people have been excluded as possible identities of the subject.^[54]

Louisiana

Rapides Parish Jane Doe (1980)

External images

FACES reconstruction

3D reconstruction

3D reconstruction (profile)

On November 5, 1980, the partial skeleton of a young white female was found by a hunter in Rapides Parish, Louisiana.^[55] The victim, aged fifteen to nineteen, was approximately five feet to five feet five inches tall; her weight could not be estimated. She had received dental care, as some fillings were found in the teeth of the skull.^[56] The skeleton of a dog was also found near the Jane Doe, but it is not possible to confirm if it was hers. A local man stated he had shot the dog but did not know of the victim's presence at the scene. A pair of gray, cotton wool socks were the only clothing found at the scene.^[57] Shoulder-length brown hair was also found near the body, which was presumed to be the victim's. Her remains may have been at the location from two months to two and a half years and one or both of her hands and limbs were never found. Her cause of death has never been determined.^[58]

Michigan

"Bill"

External images

NCMEC reconstruction

After attending a party, a young woman was found unresponsive in Highland Park, Wayne County, Michigan on March 25, 1976. She had told others when alive 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 a short amount of time. She was approximately seventeen to twenty (although she may have been in a wider age range of fifteen to twenty-five) when she died and weighed 150 pounds at a height of five feet eight inches. 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.^[59] When Bill was found unresponsive, she was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead.^[60] She had blueish-green eyes and shoulder length brown hair.^[61] Her body was exhumed in November 2014 to obtain DNA information.^[62]

Maryland

Prince George's County John Doe (1973)

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 when he died due to unknown circumstances. He was five feet tall and weighed 105 pounds, which is short for a male his age. He had died within hours before his body was located in a wooded area, near a highway. The decedent may have been in a hospital for undisclosed reasons. He had brown hair and eyes as well as a thin mustache. 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.^[63]

Baltimore County Jane Doe (1987)

A woman was found in an alley on June 16, 1987 in Baltimore, Baltimore County, Maryland. She was seen previously being dropped off at a nearby residence. She was still alive when her body was found, but died the next day at a hospital. The woman was between twenty-four and thirty and wore a distinct tattoo of the name Curtis Lee as well as a turtle. She was five feet six inches tall and weighed 138 pounds with green eyes, freckles and short red hair.^[64] 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.^[65]

Massachusetts

Norfolk County Jane Doe

The skeletonized skull and torso of a female of African heritage, possibly biracial, was discovered on August 8, 2004 in Plainville, Norfolk County, Massachusetts. The cause of death was not apparent, but the decedent was wrapped in a blanket and buried in a shallow grave near a truck stop, three to ten years before.^[66] She stood between four feet nine and five feet three inches and was between twenty-five and thirty-five.^[67][68][69]

Minnesota

Ramsey County John Doe

The body of a man was found on February 7, 1985 in St. Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota. The man was five feet nine inches tall, 180 pounds and between twenty and forty 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 long brown hair as well as a beard and mustache. His eyes had decomposed to the point where their color could not be estimated. 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.^[70]

Mississippi

Hancock County Jane Doe

A woman between thirty-seven and forty-two was struck by a vehicle and found on May 6, 1998 in Bay St. Louis, Hancock County, Mississippi. Initially, those who had hit the woman believed she was an animal, as it was late at night. She had suffered massive injuries across her body when she was struck. She was likely a transient, as she had tanned skin, unshaven legs and underarms, dirty nails and insect bites. Her nails were short, but may she may have torn them instead of clipping, as they were uneven. The Jane Doe had no teeth and did not wear dentures when she was found. Her hair had been dyed several colors in the past and was a reddish color, but was naturally brown and wavy. She had various severe lung conditions as well as hydatid cysts, which occurred parasitically. Her eyes were gray and she also had freckles.^[71] The woman was five feet three to five feet five inches tall and weighed between 130 and 135 pounds. She was the mother of two or more children and had a cesarean section scar. She was drug-free, other than having seven caffeine pills found in her pocket. She wore a black sweatshirt, jeans and blue slippers. She had eaten french fries and pickles, as well as an unknown brownish liquid before her death, possibly from a fast-food restaurant or a diner. Permission was granted to exhume the woman's body in 2013, but her body was not at the site that was excavated.^[72]

Nevada

Washoe County John Doe

A black male aged twenty-five to thirty-five crashed a vehicle into a guardrail on interstate 80 on July 16, 1980 in Washoe County, Nevada after fleeing from police at high speed after being pursued as a potential bank robbery suspect. The man was pronounced dead as he entered an emergency room. The victim was five feet three inches to five feet four inches tall and weighed 135 pounds and had black hair, brown eyes and a scar on his abdomen that appeared to have been long since healed.^[73] The victim also wore a beard and mustache and had been circumcised. Four missing men have been excluded from the case.^[74]

Clark County Jane Doe (1986)

The mummified body of a woman aged twenty-five to thirty-five was discovered inside of a mine shaft in near the town of Antelope in Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada on September 27, 1986. The subject was white, five feet six inches tall and weighed about 92 to 112 pounds. She appeared to be a transient, as the walls in the shaft were lined with wood and appeared to be a makeshift shelter.^[75] She was discovered underneath a blanket, although she was naked. Several articles of clothing, a shirt, bra, a single sock and a pair of jeans as well as some personal items were found in or near the entrance, which included toothpaste, lip gloss and glasses. Examination of the body indicated she was a mother of at least one child and had some dental work and all adult teeth were intact. The death cause of the woman was never discovered.^[76]

Clark County John Doe

In his hotel room on February 16, 1987, a man was found dead after a drug overdose, presumed to have been accidental, in Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada. He was estimated to have been between twenty-five and thirty-five and had brown hair and blue eyes. His clothing included a purple shirt, jeans, white socks and a brown belt. He had given the name of "Douglas Baker" with an address to the state of Florida, which turned out to have been an alias and false address.^[77] He was 174 pounds at a height of six feet four inches tall. He had brown hair and "unusually long" fingers, which may be a way to identify him in the future.^[78]

Clark County Jane Doe (2008)

External images

3D reconstruction

On January 23, 2008, police received a letter with coordinates to a location in Henderson, Clark County, Nevada. At the scene, a red-haired woman's skull was discovered along with a red patterned skirt. No other remains have been found, which resulted in her weight and height impossible to estimate.^[79] The woman had red hair and was between twenty-five and forty. She had been deceased for six months.^{[80][81][82][83]}

New Mexico

Doña Ana County Jane Doe

External images

Sketch

3D reconstruction

Profile

The skeleton of a female aged sixteen to twenty was discovered by a group of hunters, hidden under plastic, on March 10, 1985 in Doña Ana County, New Mexico. The subject was estimated to have been white and had blond or light brown head hair, which was likely naturally this color, as the presence of pubic hair of the same color indicated. She had painted, at least, two of her fingernails pink and had some evidence of skeletal abnormalities, some specific conditions were noted by a forensic anthropologist to be unusual to occur during someone of the subject's age. The remains were clothed in pink undergarments and a white jersey with the letter "W." Some of the supports in the Jane Doe's bra were noted to have separated from the product.^[84] She also appeared to have possibly suffered injury to the right side of her nose, which had healed. Her height was believed to be between five feet and five feet four inches tall, yet her weight was not possible to estimate, although she was likely of "slim build." She had died about three to six months before her body was found.^[85]

New York

New York County John Doe (1997)

A black male was electrocuted after coming in contact with the railway tracks in a substation on June 23, 1997 in New York, New York County, New York. He was estimated to have been between twenty and thirty years old. He had a shaved head, brown eyes, was five feet seven inches tall and weighed 130 pounds. A unique blue tattoo was found on his arm, which was exquisitely detailed. He wore a dark tee shirt, a brown belt, black jeans, a brown plaid jacket and white shoes.^[86]

New York County Jane Doe (1998)

A woman was seen jumping in the path of a train in New York, New York County, New York 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 when she died. Her hair and eyes were 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.^[87]

North Carolina

Lumberton Jane Doe

The body of a female between fifteen and twenty-two was found in Lumberton, North Carolina on June 2, 1978. She was found at the edge of a field and had died weeks before her body was found, resulting in decomposition that made estimating her eye color impossible. The girl was between five feet one to five feet three inches tall and weighed 100 to 120 pounds when she died. 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 reddish. No signs of violence were found on her body.^[88]

Northampton County Jane Doe

External images

NCMEC reconstruction

Profile

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.^[89] The victim was a female, of African heritage, who was likely between four to six years old and may have been biracial. Although no apparent cause of death, but she had 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.^[90] The girl had received some dental care, as some fillings were found in her teeth. She may have been deceased for one year or more.^[91]

Ohio

Cuyahoga County John Doe

A man was pronounced dead after approximately four minutes after he fell from a cliff in Euclid, Cuyahoga County, Ohio on May 8, 1981.^[92] 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 that 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 would come upon 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 tee shirt, a hat, a belt, two pairs of socks and brown boots. His age was believed to be between twenty and thirty and carried various personal items, including cologne and "suntan oil."^[93]

Pennsylvania

Philadelphia County John Doe (1994)

An Asian man was found dead in a train station on July 22, 1994 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. He was young, between sixteen and thirty, when he died minutes before he was discovered. The decedent had killed himself with a gun found at the scene, which had inflicted a wound to his head. The gun 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 blood 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 the right knee and a birthmark on his chest. He wore a large shirt, white shoes, jeans and white socks and underwear.^[94] His teeth were in natural condition, showing little sign of dental care. He was five feet nine inches tall and weighed 168 pounds.^[95]

Bushkill Jane Doe

External images

Shirt

The body of a female between thirty-five and fifty-five was found in brush on the shoulder of route 33 in Bushkill Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania on October 23, 1987. She was of Caucasian descent and had blue eyes and blond hair. The height was estimated to be between five feet and five feet two inches tall and the weight between 155 and 165 pounds. The decedent wore a red shirt with a decal of a woman,a multicolored bracelet, jeans and thermal long underwear with a snowflake design.^[96] The woman is believed to have died due to a heart attack, yet her face contained multiple lacerations from an undisclosed cause. She had died within a day of being found.^[97]

Tennessee

Knox County Jane Doe (1987)

External images

Retouched morgue photograph

On June 1, 1987, the body of a young woman between twenty and thirty was found in Knoxville, Knox County, Tennessee. The woman had brown hair and stood at five feet five inches, 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.^[98][99] 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%.^{[100][101][102][103][104]}

Texas

Harris County Jane Doe (1976)

A black woman was found alive on the side of interstate 10 on September 30, 1976 in Houston, Harris County Texas. She was taken to a hospital where she later died due to an undisclosed cause. The woman was five feet eight inches tall and weighed 135 pounds and had black hair and brown eyes. She was clothed, wearing a green turtleneck sweater, a flannel shirt that was blue, a matching pair of jeans, pink underwear and brown shoes. Her ears were pierced, yet she wore only one earring. A ring with a turquoise stone accompanied with a second ring were among her jewelry. She was between twenty-five and thirty-five at the time of her death.^[105] The female had seen a dentist before her death, as fillings were observed in her mouth.^[106]

Harris County John Doe (1979)

External images

NCMEC reconstruction

A young Hispanic man was found deceased near a highway on April 28, 1979 in Houston, Texas. He had died a short time before, but was not recognizable because of suffering severe wounds from an unknown nature. He was between fifteen and twenty and was between five feet four to five feet eight inches tall at a weight between 135 and 145 pounds. His hair was dark and he had a mustache. An orange shirt, black pants and boots were worn by the victim. He had scars on his hip and arm, from a burn and vaccination, respectively. A scar on his knee was also located.^[107]

Jersey Village John Doe

A man's body was found on November 15, 1982 in Jersey Village, Harris County, Texas. He was between thirty and forty at the time of his death when he was hit by a vehicle and subsequently succumbed to his injuries. He had six-inch brown hair, blue eyes and was five feet three inches tall at a weight of 116 pounds. He had received medical care when he was alive, as stitches were found under his right eye. The man also had scars on his chest, legs and hip. his clothing consisted of a green jacket, a shirt decorated with green and black squares, an undershirt, jeans, mismatched socks, brown gloves and cowboy boots.^[108]

Harris County Jane Doe (1983)

A Hispanic or possibly Asian female was struck and killed by a moving vehicle on 7500 Katy Freeway on March 1, 1983 in Houston, Harris County, Texas. She was between the ages of twenty-two and twenty-eight at the time of death.^[109] The woman was between five feet six and five feet seven inches tall and weighed 126 pounds. Her hair was black and her eyes were brown and she had crude tattoos on her body, of a cross and the letters "Z" or "N," "C" and "P" accompanied with some dots. She wore a green shirt with matching socks, blue jeans, a pink bra and white shoes. In a tan purse she carried, a plaid shirt, several papers and a comb were found. It is possible that her first name was "Mary."^[110]

Harris County Jane Doe (1989)

External images

NCMEC reconstruction

2D reconstruction

Approximately eight to ten hours after her death, a Hispanic female was located on Westheimer Street, in Houston, Harris County, Texas on December 29, 1989.^[111] She was five feet four inches and weighed 161 pounds; she was between nineteen and twenty-five, although she could have been up to twenty-nine.^[112] The victim wore black pants, socks and shoes as well as a white bra, panties, pullover and socks. Her hair was black and curly, approximately twenty inches long. Her eyes were also brown.^[113] A piece of paper was found at the scene that was written by hand containing some sort of schedule.^[114]

"Princess Blue"

External images

Sketch

Class ring

Side of class ring

Horse emblem

Another ring

On September 10, 1990, a skeleton of a female between fifteen and twenty-five of slight to medium build was discovered in Manvel, Brazoria County, Texas, between one and five years after the death occurred, underneath a tire and a pile of brush. Six rings and a pearl bracelet were found on the body, including a 1975 blue class ring that originated from Robert E. Lee High School. Another was a gold ring containing several clear stones. The class ring, which was upsized twice to a size 9, is not believed to have originally belonged to her, as it pre-dated the period when she would have graduated from high school. She was likely white, but likely had someone of African descent in her ancestry. Originally, she was believed to be Hispanic, but this has been since ruled out.^[115][116] She had a defect visible behind one of her knees, possibly from a tumor. Although Princess Blue's cause of death has not officially been determined, two of her ribs were fractured. Toxicology tests on the bones indicated no evidence of drug use. Dental records of the female are on file, which include details that she had multiple cavities that had not been attended to before her death.^[117] Princess Blue's DNA has also been processed for future comparison with missing persons.^[118]

Gregg County Jane Doe

External images

NCMEC reconstruction

Profile

The nearly completely skeletonized remains of a young adult female were found on May 21, 2002 by construction workers in Gregg County, Texas.^[119] She was between seventeen and twenty-eight when she died, approximately two years before her remains were found on Highway 135. She was white, five feet one to five feet four inches tall and had a petite build.^[120] She had a cleft palate that was never treated, which would be obvious to those around her. The cause of her death is unknown and her eye color and hair color were not possible to determine due to the decomposition of the remains. It has not been reported if any clothing was recovered from the scene.^[121] Her face was reconstructed in 2014 by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.^[122]

"Lori Erica Ruff"

Main article: Lori Erica Ruff

Woman who committed suicide in Longview on December 24, 2010 outside her ex-husband's family's house. A search of her house led to the discovery of a lockbox which revealed she had assumed the identity of two-year-old girl, Becky Sue Turner who died in house fire in 1971 in 1988. After the identity theft, she legally changed the name to Lori Erica Kennedy and later married, taking the surname "Ruff."

Virginia

"Female Stranger"

A young woman who died mysteriously in 1816. She is buried Alexandria, Virginia and her grave remains a tourist attraction since her death.^[123]

Alleghany County Jane Doe

The skeletonized remains of a female were discovered by a hunter on November 18, 1985 in Alleghany County, Virginia. Only the skull, which was found first, and torso of the subject were recovered. The hair color, eye color, height and weight could not be determined. She was, however, estimated to be a white female between the ages of twenty and forty-nine years old. She had died approximately four months before, as examination indicated. No clothing was found at the scene and it was not possible to recover her fingerprints, as the advanced state of decomposition prevented. Although her dental information has never been recorded, her DNA was successfully extracted and developed into a suitable profile. She has yet to be forensically reconstructed.^[124]

Caroline County John Does

The skeletonized remains of two Hispanic males, deceased for about two months to one year, were discovered in Ruther Glen, Caroline County, Virginia on November 10, 1988. The pair were related paternally, although it is unknown how closely. The older subject was estimated to be around the age of thirty-five and forty-five and was at a height between five feet four and five feet six inches and weighed between 130 and 140 pounds. He was found with two shirts, two hats, brown pants, two distinct belt buckles, cowboy boots a green sock and a red pair of underwear. One of the belt buckles suggested he was from a different country, as the word "Mexico" was written on it.^[125] The man's clothing appeared to have been recently purchased.^[126] The younger male was between seventeen and twenty-five and was about five feet three to five feet seven inches tall; his weight was approximately 135 pounds. He wore a blue and gray shirt and blue jeans.^[127] Like his companion, he wore cowboy boots.^[128] Four molars were missing from his mouth, which may have been extracted while he was alive at some time.^[129]

Stafford County John Doe

On September 28, 1990, the skull of a male, lacking a mandible, was found in a field belonging to a farm in Stafford County, Virginia. The decedent was estimated to be a white male between fifteen and eighteen years old at the time of his death, which had occurred one to three years before. Little was available for a coroner to examine, yet a distinct-shaped tooth was noticed as well as some fillings.^[130] As the lower jaw from the skull was never located, those that reconstructed the John Doe consequently had to estimate how it may have appeared. No other remains of the subject were ever found, which prevented any estimation of his height and weight. Investigation into discovering the male's identity has been extensive, as 186 missing persons have been excluded from the case, including David Stack, who was identified as a different unidentified subject in 2015.^[131]

Newport News Jane Doe

The mummified remains of a woman were discovered on June 6, 2014 in Newport News, Virginia after maintenance workers found her body concealed underneath a sheet. The female was between the ages of twenty-five and forty-five years old and was of an indeterminable race. Her body was in such poor condition that her height and weight were not possible to determine, as were the color of her hair and eyes. One or both of the woman's hands were not found with the body, but there were, at least, the presence of fingers with the remains that were successfully printed and recorded. She wore a shirt of an unknown color and a pair of "athletic pants" that were dark in color and had three stripes visible. Extensive investigation has been put forth in this case, as the DNA of the woman has been processed and her dental records were also recorded, ruling out nearly 2,500 missing people, such as Anna Christian Waters, Tammy Lynn Leppert and Morgan Nick.^[132]

Washington

Clark County Jane Doe (1980)

External images

NCMEC reconstruction

The partial skeleton of a girl found in the woods near Amboy, Clark County, Washington was found on February 1, 1980 (although her NamUs profile states February 24). She had approximately died in 1978 at the ages between thirteen and sixteen. The girl's weight and height could not be estimated because the bones of her torso were never found. One or both of her hands were also not found at the scene.^[133] Her exact race is not known, but she may have been biracial. After examining her bones, it is believed that the muscles on her neck would have been "well developed."^[134]

"Lyle Stevik"

A man aged twenty to thirty that checked into a hotel under the alias "Lyle Stevik." He was found dead after an apparent suicide in Amanda Park, Washington.^[135]

Wisconsin

Delafield John Doe

External images

NCMEC reconstruction

Profile

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 and weighed 155 pounds at the height of 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.^[136]

Milwaukee County Jane Doe

External images

NCMEC reconstruction

Profile

The body of a female of African heritage was found floating near a dock in Milwaukee, Wisconsin 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. The girl 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.^[137] She wore a brown coat, bluish-green socks, boots, tan hat, brown top and a sweater.^[138]

Rock County John Doe

External images

Sketch of subject seen alive

Second sketch

The remains of a young man, mostly skeletonized, were discovered on November 26, 1995 in Clinton, Rock County, Wisconsin. He has locally been known as "John Clinton Doe".^[139] The individual's body appeared to have washed ashore along a creek. The body is believed by some to be that of a bearded man seen on October 16, 1994 who appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol that was running into the same creek where the body was found.^[140] The subject seen in 1994 wore the same clothing found with the body, which included camouflage pants, a black shirt and a multicolored jacket. Athletic shoes and underwear with a Bart Simpson decor were also found. The male's personal items included a lighter, a homemade pendant and a black watch. Physical examination of the body indicated that the decedent was white, between seventeen and twenty years old, had long brown hair and was between five feet five to five feet seven inches tall and likely weighed around 140 pounds. He had been deceased a year before, reinforcing the theory that the body belonged to the man seen alive.^[141] Forensic testing was eventually performed on the bones. Isotopes indicated he had spent a significant amount of time in the Great Lakes region of the country, specifically Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota.^[142] 143 missing persons have been ruled out as identities of the John Doe.^[143]

See also

• List of unidentified murder victims in the United States

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to unidentified decedents.

• The Doe Network
• National Missing and Unidentified Persons System
• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

Unidentified decedents Murder victims Whitehall Mystery Little Lord Fauntleroy Brighton trunk murders Mad Butcher victims Bella in the Wych Elm Somerton Man Babes in the Wood Boy in the Box Isdal Woman Kerry Babies case Little Miss Lake Panasoffkee Long Beach Jane Doe Lady of the Dunes Sumter County Does Woodlawn Jane Doe Beth Doe Pemiscot County Does Perry County Jane Doe Sahara Sue Orange Socks Eklutna Annie Walker County Jane Doe Harris County Does Buckskin Girl Princess Doe Delta Dawn St. Louis Jane Doe Newton County John Does Vernon County Jane Doe Redhead murders Bear Brook murders Barbara Pit victims Jacksonville Jane Doe Peaches Long Island serial killer victims Racine County Jane Doe Persian Princess Adam Salish Sea victims Lavender Doe Fond du Lac County Jane Doe Other Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Female Stranger L'Inconnue de la Seine Unidentified body on Christmas Island Little Miss Nobody Miss X Green Boots Lyle Stevik Tempe Girl Peter Bergmann Case Lori Erica Ruff Unnao dead bodies row Lists List of unidentified decedents in the United States List of unidentified decedents in California List of unidentified murder victims in the United States List of unidentified murder victims in California List of unidentified murder victims in Texas List of unidentified murder victims in New York List of unidentified murder victims in Florida List of unidentified murder victims in Michigan List of unidentified murder victims in Pennsylvania Formerly unidentified Linda Agostini Karen Price Amber Creek April Lacy Barbara Ann Hackmann Taylor Reyna Marroquin George Robert Johnston Erica Green Sidney Leslie Goodwin Riley Ann Sawyers Tammy Vincent Atcel Olmedo Cynthia Gastelle Jon-Niece Jones Anjelica Castillo Kori Lamaster Michelle Garvey Barbara Precht Tammy Alexander Deanna Criswell Carol Cole Janice Marie Young Holly Glynn Brenda Gerow Martha Morrison David Stack Marilee Bruszer Bella Bond Erika Hill Jason Callahan Kerry Graham and Francine Trimble Organizations The Doe Network National Missing and Unidentified Persons System FBI Victims Identification Project National Center for Missing & Exploited Children See also Body identification Forensic identification Unreported missing Declared death in absentia Murder conviction without a body Forensic facial reconstruction