“Jane Tropicana Doe” Identified as Linda Sue Anderson, Mother-of-Three Found Dead 30 Years Ago in Las Vegas Desert: Genetic Genealogy Provides Breakthrough

Accident – death – Obituary News : **Title: DNA Analysis Identifies Jane Doe Found 30 Years Ago as Linda Sue Anderson**

**Subtitle: Genetic Genealogy Helps Solve Decades-Old Cold Case in Las Vegas**

**Introduction**

In a breakthrough development, Las Vegas police have finally identified the remains of a woman found dead in a shallow grave over 30 years ago. The woman, known only as “Jane Tropicana Doe,” has been identified as Linda Sue Anderson, a 38-year-old mother of three who was never reported missing. This significant discovery was made possible through the use of genetic genealogy, a powerful tool that has revolutionized law enforcement investigations.

**The Mysterious Jane Tropicana Doe Revealed**

Following decades of mystery surrounding the unidentified woman, investigators from Las Vegas Metro Police Department (LVMPH) recently confirmed that the remains belonged to Linda Sue Anderson. The discovery took place in the spring of 1993 in the southwest valley, not far from the iconic Las Vegas strip. Scientists, who were initially conducting a study on tortoises in the area, stumbled upon Anderson’s shallow grave, which was covered with a quilt and rocks.

**Uncovering Linda Sue Anderson’s Story**

Forensic analysis conducted by the Clark County coroner indicated that Linda Sue Anderson likely died from multiple gunshot wounds in mid-to-late 1991. Shockingly, Anderson was never reported missing by her family. According to LVMPH Cold Case Investigator Terri Miller, Anderson’s children revealed that she had battled mental illness, and they believed she had chosen to leave them. The investigator further shared that the children now carry a tremendous amount of guilt for not reporting their mother’s disappearance.

Miller explained, “She was a good mom when she was doing well. They had wonderful memories with her. But when she was doing badly, it was more like the children were taking care of their mother.” It was only when Anderson’s children reached out to their stepfather that they were told she had left one day, a story they found plausible based on their history with their mom.

**The Role of Genetic Genealogy in Solving Cold Cases**

In a concerted effort to bring justice to cold cases, the Vegas police collaborated with Texas-based Othram Labs, a leading genetic genealogy lab. Othram Labs received Anderson’s remains in early 2023 and successfully identified her using advanced genetic genealogy techniques. Although the case remains unsolved, authorities are hopeful that the positive identification will provide valuable leads and potentially lead to new information about Anderson’s killer.

Genetic genealogy has emerged as a powerful tool in solving cold cases. This groundbreaking technique allows investigators to identify a suspect’s DNA directly from a crime scene, even if the individual is not present in a criminal database. In recent years, genetic genealogy has played a pivotal role in the arrest of infamous serial killers like the Golden State Killer and the “Grim Sleeper,” connecting crime scene samples to their unsuspecting relatives. Notably, it also led to the high-profile arrest of Bryan Kohberger, accused of quadruple murder at the University of Idaho.

**Conclusion**

The identification of Linda Sue Anderson, previously known as Jane Tropicana Doe, after over three decades brings hope to the families of other cold case victims. Thanks to the rapid advancements in genetic genealogy, law enforcement agencies can now leverage this groundbreaking technology to potentially solve more unsolved cases. As the field continues to evolve, there is an increasing possibility of identifying and bringing justice to criminals through their DNA, ultimately ensuring a safer society for all..