Accident – death – Obituary News :

Decapitated Body Found in California Vineyard Identified After 13 Years

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – In a shocking development, the decapitated body discovered nearly 13 years ago in a vineyard outside Arvin, California, has finally been identified. The gruesome case, which baffled investigators for years, has taken a significant step forward.

Back in March 2011, a woman’s decapitated body was found in a Kern County vineyard. The body was completely nude and appeared to have been deliberately posed by the perpetrator. Such mutilated bodies are extremely rare, making this case all the more perplexing.

Ray Pruitt, formerly of the Kern County Sheriff’s Department, described the crime scene as clean and meticulously staged. The body had been placed on the ground in a sexual manner, indicating a clear intention behind the way it was discovered. The blood had been drained from the victim’s body, further suggesting a calculated and deliberate act.

Despite extensive efforts, law enforcement officials were unable to identify the victim due to the absence of any distinctive features. The killer had intentionally removed the woman’s thumbs, making it impossible to match her prints with any existing records. Additionally, the woman’s head was never found, adding another layer of mystery to the case.

However, after years of investigation, a breakthrough has finally occurred. The woman has been identified as Ada Beth Kaplan, a 64-year-old resident of Canyon Country, according to the coroner’s office. Kaplan’s remains were buried in Union Cemetery as all previous attempts to identify her had failed.

In 2020, the coroner’s office collaborated with the nonprofit DNA Doe Project to build a family tree using a DNA profile. This led to the identification of two potential family members in July. After DNA samples were provided for comparison, Kaplan’s identity was confirmed.

Surprisingly, no missing person report had been filed for Kaplan, raising more questions about her life and the circumstances surrounding her death. The location where Kaplan was killed, as well as the identity of her killer, remain unknown.

Authorities have yet to release any additional information regarding the case. The Kern County Sheriff’s Office has not responded to requests for comment at this time.

As the investigation continues, it is hoped that the identification of Ada Beth Kaplan will bring new leads and ultimately lead to justice for her and her family. The resolution of this long-standing mystery highlights the importance of forensic advancements and collaborative efforts in solving cold cases.

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