Gertrude Elliott-Littlehale : “1985 Remains Identified as Woman Born in 1864”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. 1985 remains identification
2. Woman born in 1864 identified

Skeletal remains discovered in California in 1985 have been identified as belonging to a woman born during the American Civil War and who passed away over a century ago. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with Othram lab specializing in forensic genetic genealogy, successfully solved this cold case. Through DNA evidence and forensic analysis, the remains were identified as Gertrude Elliott-Littlehale, born in 1864 and died in 1915. Her grave had been disturbed, and her skull was missing. This breakthrough marks the 38th case in which Othram’s technology has helped California officials identify individuals from decades-old remains.

The discovery of skeletal remains in a plastic bag in California in 1985 has taken a fascinating turn as the woman’s identity has finally been revealed after over a century. The bones were found near Channel Islands Harbor just west of Los Angeles, sparking a decades-long mystery that has now been solved.

**Mysterious Discovery Unraveled**

Back in October 1985, a plastic bag containing partial skeletal remains was unearthed in California. At the time, it was determined that the bones belonged to a woman aged between 35 and 50, but no further information was available. Despite efforts from law enforcement, the case remained cold for years, leaving investigators puzzled.

**Cold Case Breakthrough**

In a remarkable turn of events, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office-Cold Case Unit collaborated with the county medical examiner’s office in May 2023 to submit the forensic evidence to Othram, a lab specializing in forensic genetic genealogy. Through cutting-edge DNA analysis and genetic research, the lab was able to shed light on the mysterious case that had baffled authorities for decades.

**Unravelling the Past**

Through forensic-grade genome sequencing and extensive genetic genealogy research, Othram’s team pieced together the puzzle surrounding the unidentified remains. Connecting with potential relatives and obtaining a reference DNA sample, investigators were able to identify the woman as Gertrude Elliott-Littlehale, born in 1864 and passing away in 1915.

**The Grave Robbery**

It was revealed that Gertrude Elliott-Littlehale had been buried, but her grave had been desecrated at some point in history. Her skull had been stolen, and her resting place disturbed, leaving a haunting mystery surrounding her final resting place. The use of plastic bags, like the one her remains were found in, became prevalent in the 1980s, adding a chilling layer to the narrative.

**Bringing Closure**

With Gertrude Elliott-Littlehale’s identity finally confirmed, the question remains as to what the sheriff’s office plans to do with the now-identified remains. This breakthrough marks the 38th case in California where Othram’s technology has been instrumental in identifying individuals, providing closure to long-standing mysteries.

**Impactful Technology**

Othram’s innovative approach has not only helped solve Gertrude Elliott-Littlehale’s case but has also been instrumental in identifying other long-lost individuals, such as Rodney Rumsey and Sherman George. Through the power of DNA analysis and genetic genealogy, decades-old mysteries are being unravelled, bringing closure to families and communities.

In conclusion, the identification of Gertrude Elliott-Littlehale’s remains serves as a testament to the power of modern forensic technology in solving cold cases and bringing closure to long-standing mysteries. The story of this woman born during the American Civil War and passing away over a century ago highlights the enduring impact of forensic science in uncovering the truth behind historical mysteries.