Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Body Found in Las Vegas Field Identified as Ohio Teenager

In a significant breakthrough, authorities have recently identified the body discovered in an open field near a bustling intersection on the Las Vegas Strip in 1979. The victim has been identified as Gwenn Marie Story, a 19-year-old Ohio teenager who had left her home that year in search of her biological father. This discovery was made possible due to advancements in DNA testing, as announced by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

The Mysterious Case of Sahara Sue Doe

For over four decades, the unidentified body was referred to as “Sahara Sue Doe,” named after the intersection where she was found. However, recent developments in DNA testing have finally provided closure to this long-standing mystery.

On the night of August 14, 1979, a man stumbled upon the lifeless body while traversing a vacant lot on the northern edge of the Las Vegas Strip. The victim, Gwenn Marie Story, had distinct wavy hair and eye-catching red-painted fingernails and toenails. It is believed that she lost her life within 24 hours of being discovered.

Advancements in DNA Testing Bring Clues to Light

An autopsy conducted at the time revealed that Gwenn Marie Story was a victim of homicide. However, due to the lack of identification, investigators were unable to make progress in the case. It wasn’t until last September when authorities collaborated with Othram, a private DNA testing lab specializing in forensic genealogy analysis, that a breakthrough occurred.

Othram’s dedicated scientists successfully generated a comprehensive DNA profile for the woman, allowing authorities to explore potential relatives. Through DNA samples provided by these relatives, it was confirmed that “Sahara Sue Doe” was, in fact, the missing Ohio teenager, Gwenn Marie Story.

A Desperate Search for Family

Story’s family revealed that she had left her Cincinnati home during the summer of 1979, embarking on a journey to locate her father in California. Accompanied by two male friends, Gwenn Marie Story’s family never heard from her again after her departure. The two friends later returned to Cincinnati in August of that year, the same month when Story’s lifeless body was discovered, informing the family that they had left her in Las Vegas.

Uncovering the Truth Behind Gwenn Marie Story’s Death

With the identification of Gwenn Marie Story, authorities are now focusing their attention on the two male friends who were last seen with her near the Las Vegas Strip. Investigating the circumstances surrounding her death is of utmost importance to uncover the truth and bring justice to her memory.

Advancements in Genetic Testing Yielding Results

Gwenn Marie Story’s case is just one example of how advancements in genetic testing have played a pivotal role in solving long-unsolved cases. From missing persons investigations to murder inquiries and sexual assault cases, these breakthroughs have led to more identifications and arrests in recent years.

Earlier this year, Othram’s assistance also enabled Nevada state police to identify another unidentified victim, Florence Charleston, who remained nameless for 45 years. Charleston’s remains were discovered in a garment bag in a remote area of northern Nevada in October 1978, less than a year before Gwenn Marie Story’s body was found in Las Vegas. Notably, Charleston also went missing in Ohio.

The successful identification of Gwenn Marie Story has highlighted the impact of DNA testing and forensic genealogy analysis in unravelling mysteries and providing closure to families who have long sought answers. This breakthrough serves as a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies and scientific advancements in the field of genetic testing.

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