Sindy Gina Crow : “Jane Doe 1985 I-20 Smith County Young Mother Wife Identified”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Jane Doe 1985 Smith County
2. Young mother wife found dead 1985 Smith County

In Tyler, Texas, the identity of a woman whose remains were found nearly 40 years ago in Smith County has finally been revealed. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office announced that human remains were discovered near I-20 in 1985. After partnering with the DNA Doe Project in 2021, the woman was identified as Sindy Gina Crow, a young mother and wife. The sheriff’s office is now focused on finding her killer, although the case’s age and lack of physical evidence make it a challenging task. Despite the difficulties, the resolution brings closure to Crow’s family and loved ones after decades of uncertainty.

The Discovery of Human Remains in Smith County

In a small town in Smith County, nearly 40 years ago, a chilling discovery was made that would baffle authorities for decades to come. Human remains were found about 75 feet from I-20 near Hwy 69 eastbound while TxDOT crews were mowing along the highway on Oct. 1, 1985. The remains, believed to be those of a woman based on clothing found nearby, sparked an investigation that would span generations.

A Mysterious Case

The identity of the woman remained a mystery for years, with multiple leads turning up empty. It was believed that the woman was white or Hispanic, around 25 years old, and had been deteriorating near the roadway for a year or more. Despite the best efforts of law enforcement, her identity remained unknown.

A Break in the Case

In 2021, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office partnered with the DNA Doe Project to finally bring closure to this long-standing case. After years of tireless work, a possible lead for the identity of the woman was identified in November of 2023. DNA gathered from possible family members in the Dallas-Fort Worth area revealed that the woman had been married in January of 1984 and had a child in July of the same year.

Identifying the Victim

After examining the DNA evidence at UNT Fort Worth, the victim was identified as Sindy Gina Crow, born on Sept. 12, 1957. She was married to Dwight P. Crow, with whom she had a daughter in 1984. Her last known address was in Arlington.

The Emotional Impact

David Turner, the original investigator on the case, expressed his relief at finally identifying the victim after 38 years of searching. “I’ve always said, before I pass through the gates, I want to identify her. So, it feels good, you know?” Turner said. Family members of Crow have been notified of the discovery, bringing a bittersweet resolution to this tragic case.

Seeking Justice

With the victim identified, Sheriff Larry Smith now turns his focus to finding her killer. “With it being so old and happening so long ago, it will be very difficult,” Smith said. “We feel that it is our obligation that she gets a proper burial.” The search for justice continues as authorities work tirelessly to bring closure to this decades-old case.