List of unidentified decedents in the United States

On March 27, 1961, police responded to a vehicular accident in Centreville, Alabama where a car plunged off of 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. 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]

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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 to 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]

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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 of Route 227 in Hendrixville, Alabama. The manner of death was deemed a suicide. The male stood between 5 feet 11 inches and 6 feet 1 inch, and weighed between 165 and 180 pounds. Hair and eye color were unable to 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 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.

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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 5 feet 1 inch tall to 5 feet 7 inches 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]

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On August 23, 1989 a police officer was stopped by a citizen, who told them about a man running down the road naked.[8] In the area of a local McDonald's, this man was climbing up a center flagpole without clothing on.[9] 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[10]

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.

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On June 4, 1933, the skeleton of a white male was discovered in the Grand Canyon by photographer Emery Kolb. The male 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.[11]

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2012 sketch of the Apache Junction 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 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 (152–157 cm) 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 it was initially believed she was either Native American or Hispanic.[13] She had a visible overbite with no trace of dental care on her teeth.[14] 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.[15][16] 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. [17]

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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". [18] The DNA Doe Project was asked to help identify the body in April, 2020. [19]

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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's unknown if the name 'Mike' was actually part of his name or simply a pseudonym given by locals.[20]

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.[21]

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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. [22] The DNA Doe Project was asked to assist with the woman's identification in April, 2020. [23]

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Hot Spring County John Doe

On May 2, 1983, a white male was fatally struck by a long-haul truck travelling 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 5 feet 6 inches tall, and weighed 129 pounds. 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" enscribed 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 $30.92 USD, a small bible, two small pieces of paper with what appeared to be names and numbers, a red cigarette ligther, and two packs of cigarettes, one Salem and one Lucky branded. He may have possibly been a transient or hitchhiker.[24]

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.[25] 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 five feet eight inches (173 cm) tall at a weight of 167 pounds (76 kg). He wore tan pants, a sweater, a second top, multicolored socks and boots.[26]

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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. [27]

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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. [28]

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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's 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, $620 USD 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 detailings of the trip the decedent was on. Further information was hard to ascertain from the journal, due to damage. [29]

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Gun and Supplies

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 3rd. 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. [30]

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Clock (replica)

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.[31]

A young, pregnant female discovered deceased in Bear, Delaware, in 1967. She and her unborn child died due to sepsis.[32]

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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 years old when she died and was between five feet two to five feet eight inches tall (157–172 cm) and in a weight range between 110 and 130 pounds (50 and 59 kilograms). She had some unique features, such as a slanted nose and previous injuries to her lower left leg. Found with her body were a pair of jeans, a yellow and brown top decorated with people and flowers, a blue flip-flop sandal, underwear, bra and a bracelet. The bracelet was silver and contained a blue stone.[33]

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University of South Florida reconstruction

The skeletal remains of a man were discovered in a wooded area of Alachua County, Florida, on February 13, 1979, along Interstate 75. Near his remains, a noose was found, indicating he committed suicide. He was between 22 and 40 when he died. He stood about 5'6" and was of muscular build, although his weight could not be estimated.[34] He wore brown shoes, a gray button-down shirt, tan pants and a blue windbreaker. Isotope analysis of his bones indicated he was not native to Florida and had not spent a significant time in the state. He likely originated in the states north of Florida, as far as Indiana or Ohio.[35] In 2018, the DNA Doe Project took on the task of identifying him at the request of law enforcement.[36]

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A girl presumed to be between sixteen and nineteen years old was found drowned on March 5, 1979 in Bahia Honda Key, Florida. She had died hours before due to unknown circumstances. The Jane Doe was believed to have been a smoker, as she had evidence of emphysema in her lungs. She was white with auburn hair that was curly and had brown eyes. She was approximately five feet five inches (165 cm) tall and weighed 110 pounds (50 kg). Distinguishing features included a dental crown made from metal or porcelain, several fillings and evidence of root canals, a visible scar on her right pointer finger and she also had nails that had been well-maintained. She was wearing a black top and blue jeans on the day she died.[37]

Pinellas County John Doe

On October 10, 1980, the body of a young man was recovered from the Tampa Bay area, underneath a bridge in St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida. He died eighteen to twenty-four hours before he was discovered. He was five feet six inches (168 cm) tall and weighed 115 to 135 pounds (52 to 61 kilograms) at the age of fifteen to twenty-five.[38] His hair was curly and his eyes were brown and he had not shaved for several days, as some facial hair was visible on his chin. He was wearing jeans, underwear and socks when he was found.[39]

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Mortuary photograph of the 1982 Broward County Jane Doe

On the afternoon of August 3, 1982, a young woman was killed after being hit by a tractor trailer in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida. She was probably between fourteen and seventeen, although she may have been as young as twelve or as old as twenty-five. She had on jeans, a dark blue or brown top, and brown sandals; and she had dark blond or light brown hair that was curly in texture.[40] She was of slender build, but with large breasts, at a height of five feet two inches (157 cm) and a weight of 110 pounds (50 kg). She had possibly been hitchhiking around the southern United States, in Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana and Nevada; and may have spoken with a Cajun or Southern accent.[41] It is possible that while in Nevada she used the name "Donna", and that she had friends or family living in the area. She had thirty dollars and three business cards; one was linked to a police officer who provided information involving a runaway who stated the details about Nevada.[42]

1988 Broward County Jane Doe

A white female was located behind a store on December 27, 1988, in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida. She had apparently died twelve hours before of a cocaine overdose, presumed to be accidental. The female had not died at the location, however, as her body was likely dumped by another individual. She was estimated to be between the ages of twenty-one and forty and had curly auburn hair and brown or gray-hazel eyes.[43] She was estimated to be at the height of five feet four inches (163 cm) tall and was about 108 pounds (49 kg). 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.[44]

On May 4, 1993, an inner tube containing the corpse of a Hispanic man was discovered 2 nautical miles east of the Boca Raton Inlet, in Pompano Beach, Florida. Cause of death was found to be dehydration. He was estimated to be 15 to 35 years old, was 5 feet 3 inches to 5 feet 4 inches tall, and weighed 116 pounds. He had brown hair, a mustache and brown eyes. He was found wearing a blue zipper jacket, a pair of pants, and black socks. Investigators believe that he may have been a refugee from Cuba, trying to reach the United States, based upon the circumstances. He carried with him a few photographs, as well as various pieces of paper with a list of people, addresses in Hialeah and Miami, Florida, as well as another that simply said "USA". Investigators could not reach anyone listed on the pieces of paper. [45]

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On March 21, 1996, the skeleton of an African American male was found by a young child in a wooded area near a residence in Orlando Florida. He was estimated to be between 16 and 20 years old, and was between 5 feet 5 inches and 5 feet 11 inches tall. Weight, eye color, and hair color could not be ascertained, as the body had been at the location for approximately two years. It was noted that the victim had evidence of possibly being a laborer in life. Cause of death could not be ascertained, however, investigators found that the victim had suffered severe injuries that were consistent with falling from a massive height. Investigators believe that he may have fallen from a passing aircraft overhead, as the house was in a direct line with flight patterns out of Orlando Executive Airport and Orlando International Airport. [46]

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On September 29, 1999, the decomposing body of a middle age possibly white female was found on an abandoned cabin cruiser, floating off of Sigsby Bay near Key West, Florida, after investigators had gotten an anonymous tip from a possible boyfriend that she was suicidal. Cause of death was found to be an overdose of alcohol and amphetamine, with suicide being considered. She was estimated to be between 35 and 60 years old, was between 4 feet 10 inches and 5 feet 3 inches tall, had black hair, and weighed 140 pounds. Eye color could not be ascertained. Investigators believe that she had given birth at some point during her life. She was wearing charcoal colored swim trunks, cotton brief underpants, a tank top with a pink flamingo emblem, a rope necklace with a glass amulet attached, and a beaded string amulet on her right ankle. Investigators also discovered a poem with her body, detailing life and death, as well as a message stating that the boat's owner would soon be returning from Alaska. When asked, the boyfriend told them that the only name she was ever referred to by was 'Cinnamon', and that she never told anyone her actual name. [47]

A black 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.[48]

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Baker County Jane Doe

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.[49] 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 (155–163 cm) tall and weighed between 110 and 120 pounds (50 and 54 kilograms), with a slim build and a light complexion.[50][51] 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.[52]

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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.[53][54][55][56][57]

FBI reconstruction of the Dekalb County John Doe

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Sweatshirt

The skeleton of a boy was discovered on February 26, 1999 in Decatur, DeKalb County, Georgia, behind a cemetery at a nearby church.[58] The child was of African heritage, between the ages of five and seven and was about three feet ten to four feet two inches (117–127 cm) tall at a weight between 45 and 60 pounds (20 and 27 kilograms).[59] 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.[60][61][62] 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.[63] 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.[64] The case has also been featured on America's Most Wanted.[65]

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 five feet five inches (165 cm). 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.[66]

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 five feet one inch (155 cm) tall and weighed around 140 pounds (64 kg) 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."[67]

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Photo of 'Seven'

Photo of 'Witek'

'Shannon Night'

'Robert Rockefeller'

'John Doe'

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. [68]

"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. [69]

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. [70][71]

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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. [72]

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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. [73]

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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 lay 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, despite the fact that 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. [74]

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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. [75]

In 2016, she was mistakenly identified as Lori Jean Lloyd, a missing teenager from Ohio, based upon similar dental records, however, when DNA was compared between the two, it was found that they were not the same person.

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Artistic Rendition

On December 5, 1981, the body of a white woman was found on the side of Interstate 10 in Martinsville, 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. [76]

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3D Reconstruction

The skeleton of an Asian man was extracted from the Mississippi River in 1991. The man was between 35 to 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. [77]

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Sketch

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 to 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.[78]

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Parabon Nanolabs Reconsruction

Digital Reconstruction

Sketch

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. [79] His case was taken on by the DNA Doe Project in December, 2019. [80]

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Sketch

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. [81]

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NCMEC Reconstruction

1973 Prince George's County John Doe

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 (152 cm) and weighed 105 pounds (48 kg), 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.[82]

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Digital Reconstruction

Sketch

Tattoo

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 (168 cm) and weighed 138 pounds (63 kg) with green eyes, freckles and short red hair.[83] 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.[84]

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FACES Reconstruction

3D Reconstruction

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. [85]

The Norfolk County Jane Doe may have been biracial.

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Sketch

Shoes

Clothing Tag

On February 15, 1997, the decomposed remains of a young Asian American female was 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. [86]

The skeletonized skull and torso of a female of Sub-Saharan African heritage, possibly biracial, was 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.[87] She stood between four feet nine and five feet three inches tall (145–160 cm) and was between twenty-five and thirty-five years old.[88][89][90]

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NCMEC rendering

After attending a party, a young woman 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 (68 kg) at a height of five feet eight inches (173 cm). 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.[91] When Bill was found unresponsive, she was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead.[92] She had blueish-green eyes and shoulder-length brown hair.[93] Her body was exhumed in November 2014 to obtain DNA information.[94]

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Sketch (Based on witness reports)

On November 19, 1997, the decomposing remains of a Hispanic-American male was 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 to 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. [95]

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Sketch

On October 29, 2010, the decomposed remains of a young Asian American man was found on a private Lake Michigan beach in Covert Township, Michigan after he washed 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. His case was taken on by the DNA Doe Project in December, 2019.

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 (175 cm) tall, 180 pounds (82 kg) 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.[96]

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"Jamie"

Male Infant

"Abby"

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. [97]

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". [98]

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 still believe that the mother knew the mother of the other two does, due to the similar circumstances in which they were found. [99]

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 woman 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.[100]

"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.[101]

"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.[102]

Hancock County Jane Doe

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.[103]

The woman was 5'3" – 5'5" tall, and weighed 130–135 pounds. Authorities determined she'd 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'd 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.[104]

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Sketch

Profile

Photo while alive

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. [105]

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. [106]

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. Here ears were also found to have been pierced. [107]

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3D Reconstruction

Profile

Sketch

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's 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. [108]

2004 Carbon County John Doe

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Reconstruction with female features

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. [109]

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3D Reconstruction (2010)

Previous Reconstruction

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 hat 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. [110]

1980 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, as he was 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 (160–162 cm) and weighed 135 pounds (61 kg) and had black hair, brown eyes and a scar on his abdomen that appeared to have been long since healed.[111] The victim also wore a beard and mustache and had been circumcised. Four missing men have been excluded from the case.[112]

On July 10, 1982, a middle aged woman was found deceased in a bathroom stall of a Greyhound bus station in Las Vegas, Nevada. Cause of death was found to be cardiac arrest. The woman was estimated to be between 55 and 60 years old, was 5 feet 4 inches tall, and weighed 138 pounds. She had graying brown hair and hazel eyes. She also had a scar around her navel area. She was found wearing blue pants, a multi-colored blouse with flower printing, a white shirt, a white metal ring with 6 clear stones, a white metal wedding ring, two white metal necklaces and a pair of white metal earrings. A purse was also found hanging on the door handle inside of the stall, but investigators could find no form of ID inside of the purse, and believe it was possibly stolen. [113]

1986 Clark County Jane Doe

The mummified body of a woman aged twenty-five to thirty-five was discovered inside a mine shaft near the town of Antelope in Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada, on September 27, 1986. The subject was white, five feet six inches tall (168 cm) and weighed between 92 and 112 pounds (42 and 51 kilograms). She appeared to be a transient, as the walls in the shaft were lined with wood and appeared to be a makeshift shelter.[114] 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 a pair of glasses. Examination of the body indicated she was a mother of at least one child and had had some dental work done. All of her adult teeth were intact. The cause of her death could not be determined.[115]

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 years old 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 his address residing in the state of Florida, which turned out to be both an alias and a false address.[116] He was 174 pounds (79 kg) at a height of six feet four inches tall (193 cm). He had "unusually long" fingers, which may be a way to identify him in the future.[117]

On June 30, 1997, the decomposed remains of an elderly white male were found in a makeshift camp in Las Vegas, Nevada. The man was estimated to be between 60 and 70 years old, was between 5 feet 8 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall, and weighed 100 pounds. He was mostly bald with a receding gray hair line, and had a matching mustache and beard. He was found wearing black pants, a gray pullover shirt, two pairs of beige socks and a pair of black shoes. He also had had a hip repair with pins and plate, and investigators believe that he had had this replacement sometime during 1993 or afterwards. Many of the decedent's teeth were also missing. The man was a known transient, and many witnesses claimed that he went by the names "Harry" or "Papa Smurf". Witnesses claimed that he consumed alcohol regularly and was known to panhandle in the St. Louis and Boulder Highway area. The last time he was seen alive was in front of a Circle K convenience store, four days before, according to an acquaintance. [118]

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Photograph

On August 21, 2006, a man checked into the Tod Motor Motel in Las Vegas, Nevada. He failed to check out on September 11, and when the manager went to check the room, he found the man deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The man was between 25 and 40 years old, was 6 feet tall and weighed 197 pounds. He had brown hair and blue eyes, as well as a surgical scar between 4 to 6 inches long on his lower left abdomen and a birthmark above his left knee. He was found wearing a gray Fruit of the Loom T-shirt, and blue undershorts of the same brand. When investigators tried to verify his identity, it was found that he had stolen the identity of a living man in California. A letter was also found with the decedent, written entirely in German. It was addressed to his sister, "Brigit", and contained no last name for the woman nor address, city or country. There were references in the letter to an ex-wife named "Karen" who lived in Perth, Australia, as well as a daughter named "Amy". [119]

On January 23, 2008, police received a letter with coordinates to a location in Henderson, Clark County, Nevada. At the scene, a woman's skull was discovered along with a red patterned skirt. No other remains were found, which resulted in her weight and height being impossible to estimate.[120] The woman had red hair and was between twenty-five and forty years old. She had been deceased for about six months.[121][122][123][124]

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3D Reconstruction by FBI

Reconstruction with Glasses

On March 17, 2015, a person walking down a hiking trail noticed a sneaker sticking out of the ground in Carson City, Nevada. When investigators responded, they found the buried skeleton of a small white female wrapped in a sleeping bag. She was estimated to be between 42 and 71 years old, and was between 4 feet 6 inches tall and 5 feet 3 inches tall. Weight could not be ascertained. She had reddish-blond hair. She was found wearing a long sleeve camo-print shirt, gray sweat pants, dark colored cargo pants, and a pair of white and purple Asics sneakers. Investigators have not stated a cause of death for the woman, and she was estimated to have been buried for about a year before being found. The DNA Doe Project was asked to assist with the case in May, 2019. [125]

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.[126] 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 hotel room, but she was never identified.

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.[127]

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Sketch

Pajama top

Footlocker

On March 9, 1976, skeletal remains of a young child with short brown hair were found in basement storage of an apartment complex on Winston Drive in Greece, New York. The child—estimated to be 3–5 years of age—was found wrapped in a large tarp inside a blue metal footlocker wearing a light blue pajama top and a plastic diaper secured by two stainless steel diaper pins. It is estimated the child had been deceased for anywhere between six months and over one year. The child had a skull abnormality of unknown origin on the back left region of his head. It is believed the abnormality occurred a significant amount of time before the child's death. The abnormality may have been associated with other health problems such as poor nutrition and growth. The child may have had developmental deficiencies and likely couldn't walk.[128] Based on a geochemical analysis, it is believed he was not a native New Yorker and that he grew up in the Pacific Northwest, and likely spent the last days of his life in the South.[129]

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.[130]

Lumberton Jane Doe

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.[131][132]

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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.[133] 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.[134] 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.[135]

Cuyahoga County John Doe

A man was pronounced dead approximately four minutes after he fell from a cliff in Euclid, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, on May 8, 1981.[136] 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.[137]

On April 25, 1934 the body of a young female child aged about 10 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.[138] The decedent was buried in Cavalry Cemetery.[139]

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 a 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.[140]

1994 Philadelphia County John Doe

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.[141] His teeth were in good condition, showing little sign of dental care. He was five feet nine inches tall and weighed 168 pounds.[142]

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 (24 km) 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.[143]

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Reconstruction based on retouched morgue photograph

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.[144][145] 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.[146][147][148][149][150]

1976 Harris County Jane Doe

A black female was found alive on the side of Interstate 10 on September 30, 1976, in Houston. She was taken to a hospital where she later died due to an undisclosed cause. The woman was five feet eight inches (1.73 m) tall and weighed 135 pounds (61 kg) 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 years old at the time of her death.[151] The woman had seen a dentist before her death, as fillings were observed in her mouth.[152]

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NCMEC reconstruction

A young Hispanic man was found deceased near a highway on April 28, 1979, in Houston. 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 years old and was between five feet four to five feet eight inches (162–172 cm) tall at a weight between 135 and 145 pounds. His hair was dark and he had a mustache. He wore an orange shirt, black pants and boots. He had scars on his hip and arm, from a burn and vaccination, respectively. A scar on his knee was also located.[153]

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.[154]

Harris County Jane Doe (1983) may have had the first name "Mary."

A Hispanic or possibly Asian female was struck and killed by a moving vehicle on 7500 Katy Freeway on March 1, 1983, in Houston. She was between the ages of twenty-two and twenty-eight at the time of death.[155] 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."[156]

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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.[157] 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.[158] 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.[159] Her face was reconstructed in 2014 by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.[160]

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NCMEC reconstruction

The T-shirt which Jane Doe was found wearing

On October 16, 2012, an anonymous tip led police to find an unidentified female body inside a black trash bag in Houston near Walters Road.[161] She is estimated to be fifteen to seventeen years old, 4-foot 7 to 5-foot 3 tall, possibly of mixed Caucasian and African American descent, and presumed to have died during the month of September 2012. She had a pronounced overbite and dental fillings in three of her lower molars.[162] She became known as "Smurfette Doe" as she was found wearing a distinctive blue-green T-shirt with Smurfette depicted on the front with daisies and the text "He smurfs me, he smurfs me not." She was also wearing a size 5 tan cargo pants as well as a black bra (34C), pink thong underwear, and a bobby pin in hair.[163][164][165]

A young woman who died mysteriously in 1816. She is buried in Alexandria, Virginia, and her grave remains a tourist attraction.[166]

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 was 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 thirty-five and seventy-five 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 it. Although her dental information has never been recorded, her DNA was successfully extracted and developed into a suitable profile. [167]

Reconstructions of the older and younger Caroline County John Does, respectively.

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.[168] The man's clothing appeared to have been recently purchased.[169] 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.[170] Like his companion, he wore cowboy boots.[171] Four molars were missing from his mouth, and may have been extracted while he was alive at some time.[172]

Reconstruction of the 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.[173] As the lower jaw from the skull was never located, those who 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.[174]

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 Margaret Ellen Fox, Tammy Lynn Leppert, and Morgan Nick.[175]

A woman who checked into a Seattle hotel under the pseudonym "Mary A. Anderson" was found dead in her room by hotel staff on October 11, 1996. She had committed suicide by consuming cyanide. The address and phone number she had provided at check-in was false and she left behind no identification. Searches of missing person reports from across the United States, Canada and Interpol failed to identify her, and her fingerprints were not on file with the FBI. She left behind a suicide note as well as luggage, clothing and jewelry, none of which revealed her identity. [176]

Delafield John Doe

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.[177] In February, 2020, law enforcement asked the DNA Doe Project for assistance identifying the body. [178]

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NCMEC reconstruction

Profile

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. 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.[179] She wore a brown coat, bluish-green socks, boots, tan hat, brown top and a sweater.[180]

FBI rendering of what John Clinton Doe may have looked like at age 20 (2014).

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Colorized sketch of JCD (2016)

Police artist sketch of River Guy (1994)

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".[181][182] 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.[183] 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.[184] 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.[185] 197 missing persons have been ruled out as identities of JCD.[186] 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.[187] A tentative identification was announced on February 22, 2019 by the project, which is now pending official investigation and confirmation by law enforcement. [188]

On October 21, 2002, the severed head of a woman was discovered in a plastic bag in a rural part of Houlton, Wisconsin. She was between 35 and 60 years old and had short, dark brown hair. Her race is unknown; she was most likely Asian but could have also been Native American or an admixture of Hispanic and White.[189]

She had very distinctive facial features, including widely-set eyes and a flat nose. This suggests she may have been mentally handicapped and it has been theorized that she might have lived in an institution.[190]

No other remains belonging to this woman have been discovered, and while her cause of death is unknown, it is being investigated as a homicide.[191]