Hamilton Man Identified as “Penny Doe” Found in Eaton Drainage Ditch in 1968

Police – Accident – Death – Obituary News : Hamilton Man Identified as “Penny Doe” Found in Eaton Drainage Ditch in 1968

HAMILTON, Ohio — After 55 years of being referred to as “Penny Doe,” the unidentified remains found in an Eaton drainage ditch in 1968 have finally been identified as a Hamilton man. The joint investigation conducted by the Preble County Coroner’s Office and the Shelby Police Department has revealed that the person buried in Mount Hill Cemetery is Albert A. Frost, who was born on January 25, 1935, in Hamilton.

The breakthrough in the case came in 2019 when the unidentified remains were exhumed as part of an ongoing cold case missing person investigation led by Shelby police Detective Adam Turner. Detective Turner believed that the remains could potentially belong to Mary Jane Croft VanGilder, a woman who went missing from Shelby in 1945. While Albert Frost’s identification brought closure to his family, the search for VanGilder continues.

The identification of Frost as “Penny Doe” is a testament to the advancements in DNA technology and the availability of online databases for missing and unidentified remains. These developments have allowed families and law enforcement officers to revisit old missing persons cases with fresh eyes and renewed hope.

Tina Barrett, Frost’s great-niece and a Butler County attorney, provided the DNA sample that ultimately led to the identification. Frost’s last known address was on Bonacker Avenue, and he was never officially reported as a missing person or listed as deceased. Officials speculate that he may have been the victim of a homicide and secretly buried, based on rumors within the family.

The original 1968 coroner’s office investigation estimated that the remains belonged to a female between 5 foot 2 and 5 foot 6, weighing 130 to 140 pounds, and buried 12 to 18 months prior to discovery. However, subsequent analysis determined that the individual was, in fact, a biological male, as confirmed by DNA testing.

According to newspaper articles, Frost had a brief marriage and was arrested multiple times on larceny charges in Butler County. He was a veteran of the United States Army, and it was known that he always wore his military-issued Army jacket. Frost’s last known contact with his family occurred between 1963 and 1964. Described as shy and somewhat elusive, Frost had dark hair, a thin build, and was left-handed.

While there are no obvious signs of foul play on the remains, Turner acknowledges that the entire body was not recovered, and the remains were in a skeletal state. The cause of death remains unknown, and Preble County Coroner’s Investigator David Lindloff admits that it will be challenging to determine the cause without further evidence. However, the investigation team is preparing an amended death certificate for Frost.

The announcement of Frost’s identification has sparked interest among families with the last name Frost in Preble County who have ties to Hamilton. Turner encourages anyone with information about Albert Frost to come forward and assist in piecing together his story.

As the case continues to unfold, the joint efforts of the Preble County Coroner’s Office, Shelby Police Department, and dedicated investigators from Moxxy Forensic Investigations, LLC, Intermountain Forensics in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Saber Investigations, LLC, have provided closure to one family while reigniting hope for others seeking answers in cold cases. The power of DNA and the determination of law enforcement officers have once again demonstrated their potential to unravel mysteries that have remained unsolved for decades..